The YMCA of Montclair increases availability of water safety and swim lessons in underserved communities.
MONTCLAIR — As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the YMCA of Montclair will provide Safety Around Water, a swim instruction and water safety program to children ages 6-14 May 23-27, 2022.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years old. For communities of color, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average, according to a USA Swimming study.
“Educating children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street,” said Tammy Como, Association Aquatics Director, YMCA of Montclair. “The Y teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives it builds confidence.”
In a typical year, the YMCA of Montclair teaches 10,000 children and adults in their swim programs — due to the COVID19 pandemic, this decreased to 2,863 in 2021. Children in the community are at risk due to the lack of opportunity for swim lessons caused by the pandemic. The Y wants to make every effort to reach those kids this year.
The Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The YMCA of Montclair continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident, and secure in the water.
The Safety Around Water program has been funded by generous grants from the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation and the YMCA of the USA’s Strategic Initiatives.
For more information, contact Tammy Como, Association Aquatics Director at [email protected]. To register for Safety Around Water classes, visit www.montclairymca.org. There is a nominal fee of $5 for the weeklong lesson.
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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. We focus on healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.