YMCA Delivers Swim Safety Opportunity for all Children of Darke County

GREENVILLE/VERSAILLES, May 23, 2012 – As swim season approaches, the YMCA of Darke County reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs at our Greenville and Versailles Branches, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.

“The YMCA of Darke County is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Pat Best, Aquatics Coordinator, YMCA of Darke County. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”

In honor of National Water Safety Month this May, the YMCA of Darke County recommends kids and adults practice the following safety tips when in and around the water:

• Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
• Adults should constantly and actively watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is on duty.
• Inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in, on or around the water.
• Parents or guardians of children who are non-swimmers or beginning level swimmers should be in the water and within arm’s reach of their child.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities in the water.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 40 years. The YMCA of Darke County continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including open swim, swimming lessons, competitive swimming and lifeguarding. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

Summer Splash is the no-cost Water Safety Program for Darke County children ages 6 to 12. Summer Splash is a one-week, concentrated swim course that focuses on boating, rescue skills and swimming skills. Any Darke County child, regardless of YMCA membership, can attend daily at the designated time for their age group. The no-cost Summer Splash class is offered at both the Greenville and Versailles Branches. Greenville Summer Splash is the week of June 11-14. Versailles Summer Splash is the week of June 25-28, 2012. Each age group meets at a designated time; 6-8 yr olds at 10:30, 9-10 year old at 11:30, 11-12 year olds at 12:30. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens May 29 at either branch. The deadline for pre-registration is the Friday before each class begins.

To learn more about the YMCA of Darke County’s swim programs, please contact the front desk at (937) 548-3777 in Greenville or (937)526-4488 in Versailles.