Marion YMCA Says Swim Programs Teach Confidence and Safety

As the end of summer approaches, the Marion Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water year round. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in Marion, where they say swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.

“The Marion Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming skills and water safety practices,” said Evan Shanley, Aquatics Director at the Marion Family YMCA. “According to the USA Swimming Foundation, 70% of African Americans and 60% of Hispanics cannot swim. We offer programs year round that will help any child to learn important water safety skills for when they’re around the water. It’s important to always make safety their first priority.”

The Marion Family YMCA recommends kids and adults practice the following safety tips 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 children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is on duty.
• Inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in, on or around the water.
• Parents or guardians of children who are non-swimmers or beginning level swimmers should be in the water and within arm’s reach of their child.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities in the water.

A nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y has been providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 60 years. The Marion Family YMCA continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water.

Shanley says swim lessons are a great opportunity for children to learn water safety, and swimming skills necessary to swim safely. The swim team is a great program for those kids who have mastered water safety and swim lessons skills. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

To learn more about the Marion Family YMCA’s swim programs, please contact Evan Shanley at 740-725-9622 or [email protected].