Summer is just around the corner and the Ventura Family YMCA encourages children and parents in our community to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.
“Drowning poses a threat to the health and well-being of people nationwide, particularly among children. Research shows that participation in aquatics safety programs and swim lessons significantly reduces the risk of drowning, said Margo Byrne, Chief Operations Officer, Channel Islands YMCA. “Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water not only saves lives, it builds confidence and is an important life skill.”
As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the Ventura Family YMCA encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety.
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 leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The Ventura Family YMCA continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.
For more information at the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call 642-2131.
