May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City is committed to raising awareness about water safety and sharing tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip #1:

Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Tip #2:

Never swim alone without a water watcher.

Tip #3

Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Tip #4:

Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Tip #5

Wear a life jacket.

Tip #6

Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

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Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities

Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water. This includes pools, ponds, lakes and other large bodies of water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water

If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Safety Around Water Program

Here at the Y, we believe that every person deserves access to water safety classes, no matter their circumstances. Each year we provide Safety Around Water classes as well as swim lesson scholarships to ensure that all families have the skills they need to keep them safe, opening up a world of possibilities for all!

If you are interested in our Safety Around Water program or swim lessons, please contact your local YMCA location to learn more. For more information on water safety, please visit https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/healthy-living/water-safety.

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