Swim Safety Tips from the West Essex YMCA

This blog was written by Scott Weber, director of aquatics at West Essex YMCA.

Tens of millions of people across the United States have learned how to swim at the YMCA. However, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children under 14 years old. 

Nine people drown each day in the United States and children from non-swimming households are eight times more likely to be at risk of drowning. In ethnically-diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two- to three times higher than the national average.

As part of the Y’s commitment to keep swimmers safe in and around the water, we encourage children and adults to have fun and enjoy the various benefits of swimming, but to always make safety their first priority.  

The West Essex 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.  Here are some key tips to staying safe this summer.

• 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.

The West Essex YMCA will hold its free Swim Safety Week June 17-21. Participants will receive free swim lessons that focus on water safety skills and help develop confidence in and around the water.

Sign up for our Swim Safety Week to ensure your family has a happy and safe summer. Go to www.metroymcas.org/west-essex-ymca or call (973) 992-7500 to register.