As the swim season officially begins, new research from a USA Swimming study by the University of Memphis has been making headlines about swim skills and drowning rates. These statistics show that drowning is the second leading cause of death among youth 14 and younger. According to the Florida Department of Health, the state of Florida, with its numerous bodies of water, has the highest incidence of drowning over any other state. The USA Swimming study also revealed that the key indicator of swim ability is not necessarily race but is parental influence; thus children whose parents are not swimmers are eight times more likely to be non swimmers themselves.
In responding to these new statistics the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is implementing Y Splash! a family oriented water safety program. Y Splash! will be offered two Saturdays in June across the First Coast with a kickoff at the Williams Family YMCA on June 14th from 10am-1pm. The event is free and open to the public and is for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
Y Splash! instructors will demonstrate the lifelong pleasure of being safe and having fun in and around the water; offering out-of-water safety tips, swim instruction, and education sessions. After all the safety tips for fun around the water, families will be able to enjoy a pool party with snacks and refreshments.
Splash! begins June 14th from 10am-1pm at the Williams Family YMCA and continues the following Saturday, June 21st from 10am-1pm at YMCAs across the First Coast: - Duval County, Arlington Family YMCA - St. John’s County, Winston Family YMCA, St. Augustine Family YMCA - Clay County, Dye Clay Family YMCA - Nassau County, McArthur Family YMCA For more information regarding Y Splash! and educating our youth to be safer around the water this summer contact the First Coast YMCA at 296-3220 or visit FirstCoastYMCA.org.
