The YMCAs of Tampa Bay and the YMCA of the Suncoast are collaborating with the Juvenile Welfare Board to hold Safety Around Water classes for the rest of the year. The Greater Ridgecrest YMCA of Largo is one of the YMCA clubs that will be offering these classes.
The program is opened to those between 3 and 12 years old, and is for beginners and non-swimmers. The program is being sponsored by the Florida Blue Foundation so there is no charge to attend the classes. It is designed to ensure that adults, families, and children learn essential skills for water safety, which will enable them to take better advantage of all that swimming has to offer.
The course lasts for four days. Flyer printing is often used to provide schedules of such classes with details on registration.
Lisa Warren, director of the YMCA of the Suncoast Aquatics, said that a main skill that is taught in the program is how to deal with what would happen if children fell in the water and went to the bottom of the pool. They would need to turn to the wall closest to them and grab it. She added that certified instructors teach children skillsets that will give them confidence in the water and reduce their risk of drowning.
Families interested in this program need to contact the YMCA for more information.
