[Charlotte, NC – May 2018] –During National Water Safety Month, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte encourages children and parents to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y swim programs, participants can enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.

“Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all individuals,” said Ame Guy, YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s Association Aquatics Director. “Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1 to 14, claiming the lives of three children each day. Learning basic water safety skills saves lives, and is a great introduction to the world of swimming.”

As part of National Water Safety Month in May, and with its outdoors pools opening on Saturday, May 5, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety. Following are safety tips to practice 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 their children in and around water.
- Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.
- Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

As a prominent nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has long been a leader in providing swim and water safety lessons. In 2015, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte began making water safety more accessible to all in the community by launching Safety Around Water, a free program designed to engage and educate families about the importance of water safety skills and provide more area youth access to water safety lessons. The Y delivers the program in low-income, predominantly African American and Hispanic apartment communities, where pools typically do not have lifeguards and risk of drowning among children is highest.

The Y is committed to water safety for all. This Water Safety Month, save lives by enrolling in swim lessons or giving to the Y.  To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s swim programs.

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, comprised of 19 membership locations and two resident camps, engages approximately 300,000 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. Deeply rooted in the community for 140 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcacharlotte.org