Free Water Safety Program Teaches Kids Life-Saving Skills

With summer in full swing and the 4th of July quickly approaching, many families will be spending time at the lake or pool. And while the water can be fun, it can also be dangerous, especially for young children. But a free program at the Emma B Howe YMCA is helping to keep kids safe.

“We do live in a state that has tons and tons of water," says Tim O’Neil, YMCA Aquatics Program Manager.

The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program focuses on life-saving skills to keep kids safe when swimming.

"The second leading cause of death for kids 14 and under is drowning and it’s the leading cause of death for kids 5 and under, and I don’t think people have that awareness," says O’Neil.

Joann Follmer has seven children, ages seven and under. The Safety Around Water program has given her peace of mind when she takes the kids to the cabin.

"With these two now I don’t have to worry as much because I know they can do it. They can tread water, they can float on their stomach and their back and they can manage to splash their way into shore," says Follmer, Mother of seven.

Each year the YMCA reaches over 4,000 Minnesotans through the Safety Around Water program, and thanks to partnerships, the program is free of charge so everyone has the opportunity to access life-saving lessons and skills.

"Giving them those tools and resources and understanding of how you can stay safe in and around the water, from a very early age will set them up for success down the road and create a much safer environment," says O’Neil.

Instructors like O’Neil make swimming safety fun, teaching kids to respect the water while instilling lifelong skills to even the most timid of swimmers.

"They tell them they can do it and they give them the confidence, its been amazing," says Follmer.