On May 4, the YMCA of Central Kentucky will host Central Kentucky Swims, an initiative aimed at teaching children how to be safe in and around the water. In this free program, second-graders from Cardinal Valley, Mary Todd, William Wells Brown, and Yates elementary schools will learn water safety basics such as how to float, how to spot a person in distress, and what to do if you find yourself in danger. This program gives the children a basic safety course before the summer swim season. Through generous donations from Bates Security, Woodmen of the World, and Kentucky American Water, students will also receive a voucher for free swim lessons at the YMCA.
“Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all children,” said David Martorano, the YMCA’s president and CEO. “Learning basic water safety skills is a great introduction to the world of swimming.”
As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the YMCA encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming. Following are safety tips:
- Only swim when and where a lifeguard is 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.
For questions about the May 4 events, contact Dan Koett at (859) 797-3646.