The YMCA of Rock River Valley is hosting free drop in swim classes beginning in June.
ROCKFORD, Ill. â€� According to the , there is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day in the U.S.. With the hot summer months arriving, it is important to keep water safety top of mind before dipping into the water activities.Ìý
"Every year there are more and more ways to be recreational on the water and yet fewer and fewer people actually know how to swim," said Jamie Lowery, the Senior Program Director of Aquatics for YMCA of Rock River Valley.
"Over 50 percent of adult Americans say that they cannot swim well enough to save their own life."Ìý
According to Lowery, there are multiple misconceptions when it comes to water safety, and first is that one layer of safety is enough to be safe in the water.Ìý
"It's not enough just to give someone a Coast Guard approved flotation device... you should also have somebody on hand who is a dedicated water watcher. That person ideally would be a trained and certified lifeguard."
Tips To Keep In MindÌý
- All flotation devices should be a certified Coast Guard approved flotation device which are labeled with a certification number
- Have a dedicated water watcher, preferably a trained professional who is a lifeguard
- Don't swim alone, even if you think you know how to swimÌý
- Listen for silence, silence is the number one indicator of someone drowning
- Drownings can take place in as little as 20 seconds
- Drownings can also happen in shallow waters
- Enroll children in swimming lessons
The YMCA of Rock River Valley will begin offering free drop-in swimming lessons to the general public.ÌýOutdoor lessons at Alpine Park Pool and Sand Park Pool are by registration starting in June. Free, drop-in lessons are available at Harkins Aquatic Center starting June 17th Monday-Thursdays at 4:15 P.M..
"Anyone can learn to swim no matter what age they are. And we have had adults who have come in the doors not knowing how to swim and left competent swimmers," said Lowery.Ìý
Swimming lessons are also available year round with paid spots, however, the YMCA of Rock River Valley also has special scholarships for children ages 4 through 14. Special requirements include low-income household, have a disability, or come from a marginalized community.Ìý
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