“The summer is a time of fun for many children as they head from classrooms to playgrounds and swimming pools. Unfortunately, summertime also marks an increase in the number of childhood drowning deaths and injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates each year nearly 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas and more than 3,000 go to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries. An unknown number of these hospitalizations result in permanent disability, including brain damage. These deaths and injuries are preventable.”

This is a quote from the recent Pool Safety Campaign. One of the best ways to protect our children is having them learn to swim. Some children love the water and others don’t like the prospect of swimming — like learning to read it’s a life skill we all need. If you have one of those children who protests about taking swimming lessons — encourage them — make learning to swim a fun thing. Remember you wouldn’t give in about “I don’t want to read,” so don’t give in about “I don’t want to swim.” It could save their life — don’t let your child become a statistic.

Here at the Y we are the No. 1 providers of swim instruction — we’ve been teaching folks to swim for over 100 years. Join us in one of many summer sessions – mornings or afternoons — once a week, twice a week or four times a week. Just like the piano and reading, remember your child may not learn with just one session — practice what they are learning is also important when developing these skills. Give your child a lifelong gift — have them learn to swim this summer. Join us at the Y for our swim lesson program: there are classes offered in the morning, evenings and weekends.