As swim season approaches, the YMCAs across Massachusetts encourage children and parents to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In the Y’s swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.
Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it’s an easy way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina. YMCAs across the state are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to swim and learn water safety practices.
As part of National Water Safety Month in May, Massachusetts YMCAs encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s safety. Following are safety tips to practice when in and around the water:
– Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
– Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.
– Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
– Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.
– Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sports and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.
As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including swim lessons for all ages, water fitness classes, competitive swimming, and family swim times. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available for those in need to help cover the costs.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With five branch sites serving more than 37,000 people, YMCA SOUTHCOAST has been working to meet the needs of our community for over 150 years. The Y engages people of all ages – regardless of income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Everyone is welcome at the Y and financial assistance is available. For more information about YMCA SOUTHCOAST, visit one of the branches in Dartmouth, Fall River, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and Wareham or online at ymcasouthcoast.org.