Y Splash
In the time it takes to answer a phone call, a child can become submerged underwater and lose consciousness. That’s how fast a drowning can happen. Drowning can occur nearly anywhere with standing water: pools, ponds, culverts, bathtubs—even a bucket.
THAT'S WHY WE OFFER Y SPLASH
Teaching children how to be safe around water is one of the most important life skills the YMCA can provide. It not only saves lives, it builds confidence. The Y Splash program is a proven method for teaching children fundamental water safety skills. Children take part in six, 45-minute instructional sessions that will reduce the risk of drowning and give children confidence in and around water. A typical session will include:
• Exercises to help kids adjust to being in water
• Instruction in skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
• Specific safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
• Fun activities that reinforce skills
These critical, life-saving skills are taught in just three days. In the morning, a YMCA Aquatics expert visits the school and teaches a safety lesson for the day. In the afternoon students are transported by bus from their school to the Kirk, Salem, or Botetourt YMCA to learn in the pool. Each lesson includes a handout for parents and caregivers with additional water safety tips.
FOLLOW-UP SWIM LESSONS
During Y Splash, we identify non-swimmers and offer them FREE swim lessons at the YMCA.
SCHOOLS WE SERVE
In Y Splash we teach every second-grader at these schools how to be safe in and around the water. We serve all Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem City Schools, and Botetourt County Schools.
On average, 53% of these children were identified as non-swimmers and are a high-risk of drowning.
HELP US KEEP KIDS SAFE
The YMCA and our area public schools are committed to ensuring that our kids are safe in and around the water. But, we can’t do it alone. Your donation of $3,000 can ensure an entire school of second graders can complete the Y Splash program. This program is 100% free for students because of generous donors like YOU!
It takes a village to keep our kids safe, and we invite our community to help us. Volunteers assist swim instructors one hour a day, one or more days a week throughout the school year.
The Y is seeking volunteers who can teach water safety to second graders in our Y Splash program.