YMCA offering swimming safety lessons to kids

Posted on May 28, 2017
The YMCA is providing an opportunity for young children to learn crucial swimming tips. (WJBC File Photo)

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – The local YMCA is offering a chance to teach young children the importance of safety in the water.

The free lessons will be offered from 5:30 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. on June 5-8. The “safety around the water” lessons will be offered to 75 first graders in District 87 who meet the criteria of having free and/or reduced lunch. Bloomington-Normal YMCA Learn-to-Swim Coordinator Mandy Burge explained why it’s so important that kids get their feet wet.

“Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill,” Burge said. “Leaning basic water safety skills is a great introduction to the world of swimming that often continues with swim lessons and competitive swim programs.”

Part of National Water Safety Month, the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is encouraging parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming. Some safety tips include swimming only when there is a lifeguard on duty, being within an arm’s reach of a young child, and not engaging in breath holding activities.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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