YMCA of Lansing

05/09/2025

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Y of Lansing is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

05/09/2025

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Yof Lansing is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.


Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

05/09/2025

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Yof Lansing is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

05/09/2025

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

05/09/2025

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

05/09/2025

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Lansing Y is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

05/06/2025

Paid In Full Membership Sale** - Anyone who purchases a paid in full membership at a YMCA of Lansing location, will receive 1 FREE month for a 6-month membership and 2 FREE months for a 1-year membership. PLUS we are waiving the joining fee (Originally $25 individual and $50 for household) Sale ends May 19th. Stop into any YMCA of Lansing location today to sign up. www.lansingymca.org/join

05/02/2025

The YMCA has scholarship funds available for Lansing School District students to receive YMCA swimming lessons! Apply today on our website at www.lansingymca.org/scholarship! Contact Theresa Sheridan at [email protected] for more information.

04/25/2025

This week we learned the importance of Know. See. Respond. and gained practical tools for preventing child sexual abuse—but our work is never done.

YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing is committed to year-round prevention, and we hope you are, too! Stay connected and informed by visiting fivedaysofaction.org.

04/25/2025

04/24/2025

RESPONDing starts when a child or teen feels heard and is helped. How can you take action to prevent child sexual abuse? The Trusted Triangle (for younger children) and the Safety NETwork (for older youth) are strategies from Lauren’s Kids Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit. These resources are designed to help families and caregivers teach personal and digital safety in a comfortable and accessible way.


Grades K-2: safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-k-2
Grades 3-5: safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-3-5

04/23/2025

When we SEE grooming patterns—methodical, subtle, gradual, and escalating behaviors used to groom a child for sexual abuse—we can identify them, strengthen our intuition, and protect children. Learn the 6 grooming behaviors every parent or caregiver needs to know and what to do if you see them, from our partner, Saprea: saprea.org/blog/6-perpetrator-grooming-behaviors.