INDIANAPOLIS — The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has launched its Safety Around Water, a program to engage and educate parents about the importance of water safety skills and provide more of America’s youth access to water safety lessons.
According to data from the USA Swimming Foundation, 70 percent of African American and 60 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, compared to just 40 percent of Caucasian children. While fatal drowning is a concern for all children — it’s the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old — African American children ages 5 to 14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts.
Through Safety Around Water, parents and caregivers will be encouraged to help their children learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills. During the four-day course, children will learn how to respond if they find themselves in unexpected water situations — from how to reach the water’s surface if they submerge to safely reaching a pool’s edge or exiting any body of water.
In achieving its goal to make swim lessons more accessible for all children, the Y offers financial assistance and scholarships for swim lessons to children. Families may contact their local Y for more information about assistance.
The Safety Around Water program will be offered at the following YMCA locations:
• Jordan YMCA, 8400 Westfield Blvd., June 1-4, 4:50-5:30 p.m. OR 5:40-6:20 p.m. Call 317-253-3206 for more information.
• Ransburg YMCA, 501 N. Shortridge Rd., June 8-11, 4:50-5:30 p.m. OR 5:40-6:20 p.m. Call 317-357-8441 for more information.