Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14. As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the YMCA of Greater Erie is encouraging parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming — beginning with water safety.
Here are 5 safety tips to practice when in and around the water:
1. Teach your child to swim
Enroll your child in swimming lessons to teach them this important life skill early. The YMCA of Greater Erie offers swim lessons to children of all ages and skill levels throughout the summer. These lessons are essential in teaching water safety to children and giving them the opportunity to learn essential swimming skills. Enrolling your child in a YMCA swim lesson program is a great way to ensure their safety in and around water.
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Find the Erie YMCA swimming lesson schedule here!
2. Safeguard your backyard pool
If you have a backyard pool, it’s a good idea to have a latching gate around the pool to keep kids out of the water until an adult is with them for swim time. It’s also a good idea to remove your ladder if the pool is not being used.
3. Take the water watcher pledge
Designate an adult water watcher at all times and have a conversation with your child about water safety. Set a rule for your swimmer that they must have an adult water watcher and an adult’s permission before entering the water.
Take the Water Watcher Pledge:
Always actively watch children around water.
Making sure an adult is within arm’s reach of young children in the water.
Swim near a lifeguard and never swim alone.
Reach or throw an object, don’t go into the water, to help a swimmer who is in trouble.
Enroll children in swim lessons to help them stay safe around water.
Learn CPR.
4. Discuss what to do if an emergency does happen
It’s important to discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Where is the closest phone to call 911? Is anyone in the family certified in CPR? Do you have equipment, such as a ring bouy, a reaching pole or pool noodle to assist struggling swimmers?
5. Have Coast Guard-approved floatation devices on hand
Have Coast Guard-approved floatation devices such as life jackets and puddle jumpers. Inflatable toys are typically not Coast Guard approved floatation devices, and make a rule that everyone, even strong swimmers, must wear a lifejacket when participating in watersports, boating or other watercraft activities.
Free YMCA Lifeguard Certification!
The YMCA of Greater Erie is offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course at the Y’s Glenwood location, 3727 Cherry Street, May 16-21, 2023. This course is open to the public and free for those who successfully complete the course and commit to employment at the Y. The Y operates eight pools during the summer months and needs a minimum of 100 lifeguards to adhere to the Y’s strict aquatic safety guidelines.
The course is open to those who are at least 16 years old by the end of the course. Participants must successfully complete a pre-requisite swim. Find out more now!
