YMCA Promotes Child Safety with Free Swim Lessons

Submitted to Patch by Sequoia YMCA

Sequoia YMCA recently hosted its 22^nd Annual Splash Week, teaching more than 480 kids the life skill of water safety with a week of free swim lessons.

Sponsored by Cargill Salt, Sequoia YMCA's Splash Week is an initiative led by YMCA of the USA to combat the dismal statistics of drowning nationwide and to help kids stay safe and healthy at the beach, pool or water park.

“Statistics show that, in particular communities, the rates of drowning are far worse than the rates that are already bleak in other communities,” said Julie Wesolek, Executive Director of Sequoia YMCA. "The Y has always been at the forefront of meeting critical needs, especially in underserved communities. With Cargill Salt’s financial support and volunteer leadership, our volunteer and staff instructors show kids that they can find lifelong pleasure and feel safe, confident and happy in and around water."

Since 1991, more than 4,000 youth have learned to swim during Splash Week at Sequoia YMCA, all at no cost to their parents. At this year’s event, the Y gave parents tips on how to help their children avoid heat stroke, sunburn and swimmer's ear.

“As the nation’s oldest and largest community-based provider of aquatics programs, at the Y, we want kids to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new in a positive, caring environment,” said Wesolek.

This year’s Splash Week was staffed by 40 volunteers working with 10 certified lifeguards, 10 certified swim instructors and three on-deck coordinators from the Y, under the direction of Elaine Yarrenton, Sequoia Y’s Aquatic Director.

Have you ever taken part in the YMCA's Splash Week? Tell us in the comments below.

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