(ANGOLA) - As summer gets underway and families head to area lakes, the YMCA of Steuben County is launching a free program aimed at teaching children and teens how to stay safe around the water.
The YMCA's Safety Around Water program will be offered at three locations this summer and is designed to help participants build confidence in and around the water while learning skills that can help prevent drowning and water-related injuries.
Program Locations And Dates:
Crooked Lake Beach
June 22-26
Lake James Christian Assembly
July 6-10
Fox Lake
July 13-17
All sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon.
What Participants Will Learn:
The five-day program includes instruction on:
- Water safety basics
- Life jacket use
- The buddy system
- Floating and treading water
- Self-rescue techniques
- Safe jumping
- Emergency response skills
- Boating laws and lake etiquette
Participants will be divided into age groups:
- Ages 5-8
- Ages 9-13
- Ages 14 and older
World's Largest Swimming Lesson:
One day of the program will coincide with the World's Largest Swimming Lesson on June 25, an international effort focused on drowning prevention and teaching children to swim.
Registration Information:
The program is free, but registration is required.
Participants should bring:
- A vest-style life jacket
- A towel
- Sun protection
YMCA officials say the program is built around the concept of multiple layers of water safety protection and emphasizes skills that can help children and adults stay safe around lakes, pools and other waterways.
Questions may be directed to Kelly at aquatics@ymcasteuben.org.