Keep Your Kids Safe in the Water this Summer

With summer just around the corner, kids and adults look forward to heading to their favorite spots to swim, play and create lasting memories. Whether it’s the pool, beach, water park or lakefront, the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley reminds families to keep safety first when in or around the water. Now is the time to help your kids learn essential water safety skills and explore the health benefits of swimming, before summer begins.

“It’s important to make sure children and adults are confident in the water to ensure they have a fun and safe experience,” said Andrea Youndt, COO for the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley. “It’s never too late to learn how to swim. Basic swimming skills and water safety practices save lives every day.”

Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it’s a great way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina.

When in and around water, the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley recommends the following 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.

This summer, have fun in and around the water, but always make safety your first priority.