Press release from The YMCA of Western North Carolina:
[Asheville, July 21, 2022] – Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. Knowing how to swim can help keep children safe around water. At the YMCA of Western North Carolina, we believe that teaching children to be safe around water is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. For that reason, we are bringing Safety Around Water classes beyond our pools. The classes are free and open to any child ages 6-12 in the community thanks to a generous individual donor who is passionate about water safety and child nutrition.
Participants will learn basic water safety skills, what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly and how to identify a safe place to swim. In addition to swim lessons, each participating child will also receive a free lunch and the YMCA Nutrition program will be providing produce bags for participating families.
“87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs. Apartment complexes are home to so many families in our community and it is important that we teach children to be safe in their home environment. Safety Around Water is the Y’s on-site water safety program that educates and engages youth living in local apartment communities where pools are often without lifeguards. The 4-session Safety Around Water course, taught by certified YMCA swim instructors and lifeguards, teaches children basic water safety and swimming skills that will help to reduce their risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. Our goal is to expand this program into more apartment complexes in the coming year. Apartment complexes that are interested in partnering for this program should reach out to Jessica Hendrix, Senior Executive Director at jhendrix@ymcawnc.org. “
The first community classes will be hosted at Palisades at Plott Creek, July 25-28 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. Registration is required, please contact Joel Navarez at Palisades at Plott Creek to register: Sign-up will take place at their offices at the address below. https://www.southwoodrealty.com/community/palisades-at-plott-creek/
