(Learn To) Swim Like Your Life Depended On It

Memorial Day is right around the corner and another school year will soon be coming to an end.  With thoughts of summer camp, vacation and swimming in pools, lakes or the ocean in our midst, it’s time to think about swimming lessons and water safety.

Because every summer we hear stories about adults and children who lost their lives in the water, the YMCA of Montclair is urging everyone to learn how to swim.  For children, learning to swim builds character and instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in their psyche, while teaching them survival skills that are critical to their safety.  For adults, swimming lessons are just as important -- more so, in fact, because parents often must protect their children in the water.

We all know that summertime means time in the water for many kids and adults, as they venture to their favorite spots to swim, play and create lasting memories. Whether it’s the pool, beach, water park or lakefront, the YMCA of Montclair reminds our entire community to keep safety first when in or around the water. With this in mind, the Y offers swim programs that teach water safety skills and give kids and adults the chance to explore the many health benefits of swimming.

Whether your one-year-old will be instructed by the aquatics team at the Geyer Family Center or your 78-year-old mother would like to learn to swim, it is never too early or too late to learn how to swim and be safe in the water.

“It’s important to make sure children and adults are confident in the water,” said Sam Hassan, Aquatics Director at the YMCA of Montclair. “Basic swimming skills and water safety practices save lives every day.” Lauren Sharkey, Aquatics Director at the Geyer Family YMCA agrees and  offered these safety precautions for children and adults:

• Only swim when and where there is lifeguard on duty.  Never swim alone!
• Adults should constantly watch children in and near the water.  If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is “on duty.”
• Inexperienced swimmers should take precaution and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) when in, on or around the water.
• Children who are beginners should stay within arm's reach of an adult in the water.

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works to ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. This philosophy drives the YMCA of Montclair’s commitment to help children and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, which is one of the best ways to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina.

For more information about swimming lessons and other aquatics programs, please call the Y at 973 744-3400 or visit their Park Street facility at 25 Park Street or the Geyer Family Center at 159 Glenridge Avenue.