Y and city pool offering kids free basic swim skills

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The Champaign Family YMCA’s free SPLASH! – the annual water safety program – is open to all Champaign County children ages 5-12 from May 31 through June 3. New this year: The Urbana city pool is offering SPLASH! to area residents during the same four days.

SPLASH! goals

To teach children basic swimming skills, which substantially reduces their risk of drowning

To have children practice safety habits in and around the water, resulting in a sense of accomplishment and security while near the water

To help children develop an appreciation for the life-long benefits of staying physically active through safe swimming practices

Registration details

Each class from Tuesday, May 31, through Friday, June 3, will last 40 minutes.

Pre-registration is required and classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Parents must register children at the Champaign Family YMCA by Saturday, May 28, for SPLASH! sessions at either the YMCA or at the Urbana city pool at Melvin Miller Park.

Additionally, parents may register children for SPLASH! sessions at the city pool by visiting the pool in Melvin Miller Park from Friday, May 27, to Monday, May 30.

Class times for SPLASH! at the Champaign Family YMCA:

Children ages 5-6: 4 or 4:50 p.m.

Children ages 7-9: 5:40 p.m.

Children ages 10-12: 6:30 p.m.

Class times for SPLASH at the Urbana city pool:

Children ages 5-6: 10 or 11 a.m.

Children ages 7-9: 10 or 11 a.m.

Children ages 10-12: 10 or 11 a.m.

“Learning to swim and to be safe around water is crucial for a child’s physical and emotional well-being. We’re excited to partner with the Urbana city pool and serve more children and families throughout Champaign County,” stated YMCA Aquatics Director Emily Rorrer.

As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the Champaign Family YMCA recommends that children and adults practice the following safety tips when in and around water:

Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone

Adults should constantly and actively watch their children

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.

Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities

To learn more about SPLASH! contact the Champaign Family YMCA at 937-653-9622.

Remember

Three children die every day as a result of drowning.

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children 5-14 years old.

Sixty percent of youth-drowning incidents occur under adult supervision.

Ten percent of youth-drowning incidents occur within 10 feet of safety.

Emily Rorrer, Y aquatics director, left, and Cheryl Wade, city pool manager
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/05/web1_20160513_163716.jpgEmily Rorrer, Y aquatics director, left, and Cheryl Wade, city pool manager Submitted photo
Time to have a SPLASH-ing good and safe time

Submitted story

Submitted by the Champaign Family YMCA.

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