VOLUSIA FLAGLER FAMILY YMCA
WATER SAFETY
DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE
The YMCA is committed to raising awareness around the preventable tragedy of youth drowning. While swim lessons play a crucial role in ensuring children’s safety in and around water, nothing can replace the need for adult or parental supervision. It’s vital to always have a designated Water Watcher to supervise children, particularly when they are near water. To prevent unsupervised access to water, consider installing properly fitted barriers, such as pool fences, along with alarms.
3 LAYERS OF
DROWNING PREVENTION
Cultivate and refine your young swimmer’s abilities across the four competitive strokes. Emphasizing fundamental techniques, this program serves as the cornerstone for understanding competitive swimming. Participants will not only acquire essential skills and foster teamwork but also develop self-assurance, endurance, and strength, laying a robust foundation for a promising future.
All swimmers must pass the YMCA swim test at the green level with a certified YMCA lifeguard and have the ability to swim one length of the pool without assistance.
1
ADULT SUPERVISION
2
BARRIERS & ALARMS
3
SWIM LESSONS
YOU CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DROWNING
From oceans to lakes to swimming pools, water is everywhere: 71% covering the Earth’s surface! While it offers an enticing playground for kids to explore and have splashy fun, it also poses risks for those who haven’t yet learned essential water safety skills. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14, with children from communities of color at greatest risk.
Before allowing your children to dive into the water, keep in mind these tips to prevent Underwater Hypoxic Blackout – underwater fainting – and to ensure their safety in and around the water.
NEVER SWIM ALONE
Instruct your children to swim only in areas where a lifeguard is present.
ADULT SUPERVISION
Regardless of whether it’s bath time or a swim in a pool always keep your children within arm’s reach.
WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
DON'T ENGAGE IN BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES
Children should not hold their
breath for long while swimming
to prevent drowning and
serious physical risks.
DON’T JUMP IN TO SAVE SOMEONE STRUGGLING IN DEEP WATER
“Reach. Throw. Don’t Go.”
Use a long object to safely pull someone to safety while protecting yourself.
ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN IN WATER SAFETY OR SWIM LESSONS
Enrolling your children in structured water safety lessons provides them with an essential life skill.