As the season turns from winter to spring, the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta encourages children and parents in Augusta to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. To better educate children of the importance of water safety, the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta will hold a free water safety course, “Safety Around Water” during the week of May 15-19 at the Aiken County and Wilson Family YMCA branches.
 
“Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all children,” said Jessica Bacon, Aquatics Director, Aiken County Family YMCA. “Learning basic water safety skills is a great introduction to the world of swimming that often continues with swim lessons and competitive swim programs, and can even lead to a career.”
 
Safety Around Water, formerly known as SPLASH (Swim, Play Learn Aquatics Safety Habits), is a national YMCA initiative that teaches children the basics of water safety. The week-long program teaches covers three main topics: Instruction to “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim”, water safety topics such as what to do if they see someone who needs help and exercises to adjust to being in the water. Each May, S.A.W. is offered free to the community for children ages 3-12        
 
As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the Family Y of Greater Augusta encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water 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.