As the ice finally clears from Lake George, we know everyone in the St. Cloud area is itching to get back to the water.
May is National Water Safety Month, and here at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, we want to make sure our community stays safe.
Whether you’re heading to the beach at Quarry Park or just hanging out at the Y pool, these tips are for you.
1. Always Ask First
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
2. Never Swim Alone Without a Water Watcher
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
3. Keep Them Within Arm’s Reach
For our youngest neighbors, active supervision means staying close. If you’re at the pool, you should be close enough to reach out and touch your child at all times.
This applies to the bathtub at home, too!
4. Skip the Breath-Holding Games
It might seem like a fun challenge, but holding your breath for too long underwater is dangerous.
5. Wear a Life Jacket
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.
6. Reach or Throw — Don’t Go
If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. \
Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater.
The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friends without compromising their own safety.
Ready to Build Your Skills?
The best way to stay safe is to feel confident in the water!
We offer classes for all ages right here at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, located on Stockinger Drive, right by the Whitney Rec Center!
LEARN MORE ABOUT YMCA SWIM LESSONS →
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