YMCA of Greater Dayton’s Offers Thousands of Miami Valley At-Risk Youth Free Access to Safety Around Water Program
During National Water Safety Month, the Y aims to help bridge the gap in the delivery of swim lessons and water safety education in the Miami Valley
DAYTON, Ohio - MAY 28, 2019 – The YMCA of Greater Dayton announced today that it will offer free water safety lessons to children as part of their Safety Around Water program.
Made possible with funding from Dayton Freight, the program is designed to engage and educate parents about the importance of water safety skills and provide more of Dayton’s youth access to swim lessons. The program will be offered, free of charge, from June 3-7 at all ten YMCA of Greater Dayton locations.
“The YMCA believes that every kid deserves a healthy, vibrant summer where they can learn and grow in a safe environment,” said Dale Brunner, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Dayton. “The YMCA provides kids from all over Dayton the opportunity to expand their world and an opportunity to satisfy their curiosity around water. We are proud to continue our Safety Around Water program thanks to Dayton Freight, and our hope is that swimmers develop confidence as well as a lifelong love of swimming.”
Through Safety Around Water Week at the YMCA of Greater Dayton, parents and caregivers are encouraged to help their children learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills. During the five-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.
“The YMCA of Greater Dayton is committed to reducing water-related injuries, particularly in communities where children are more at risk,” said Bambi Puckett, Executive Director of the West Carrollton YMCA and Director of the Safety Around Water Week Program. “ If children know how to stay safe in and around water, swimming can be a lifelong source of fun and exercise. Instead of keeping your children away from water, help them learn fundamental water safety skills.”
Safety Around Water Week takes place June 3-7. Pre-registration is required. Visit the YMCA of Greater Dayton website at www.daytonymca.org/programs/safety-around-water-week to register.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Ys engage men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers ten YMCA branches and one residential camp in the Miami Valley.
