05/01/2026
Be A Water-Ready Family: Learn More About Safety Around Water & FREE Safety Around Water Classes at a Branch Near You!
The Safety Around Water Program at participating branches introduces non-swimmers, who have never taken YMCA swimming lessons, to the water. This program equips kids with critical life skills that encourage safety and help the kids to be confident in and around water. A certified instructor teaches children two sets of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water.
A typical session includes:
🌊 Exercises to help children adjust to being in the water
🌊 Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets children can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
🌊 An activity that teaches children about specific safety topics such as pool rules and boating safety
🌊 A fun game to encourage comfort and activity around water
Each swim lesson includes a handout for parents and caregivers with additional water safety tips for kids. Learn more about Safety Around Water offerings here, https://www.gscymca.org/2026/04/safety-around-water/.