Empowering Kids. Preventing Tragedy. Saving Lives.
It’s more than a swim lesson—it’s a life-saving experience. Safety Around Water teaches kids what to do if they find themselves in water unexpectedly, how to help others safely, and how to stay calm in dangerous situations. For many children, it’s their first time in a pool—and a powerful step toward safety and confidence.
Every day, two children drown in the United States — but these tragedies are preventable. Safety Around Water is our life-saving initiative designed to give children the skills they need to stay safe in and around water, regardless of their swim experience or background.
Safety Around Water is a free, hands-on educational program offered to elementary students throughout the Capital Region. Led by trained YMCA staff, the program teaches children how to recognize water-related risks and how to respond confidently and safely.
What Kids Learn
Through fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities, children learn:
- How to float, tread water, and exit the pool safely
- What to do if they fall in unexpectedly
- How to assist a friend or peer in trouble without putting themselves at risk
- Basic first aid and rescue awareness skills
- Signature techniques like “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim” give children simple, memorable actions they can use in a real emergency.
Why It Matters
For many participants, this is their very first experience in a pool. That’s why every lesson is designed to be positive, supportive, and confidence-building. Safety Around Water directly addresses disparities in access to swim lessons and supports our mission pillar of Social Responsibility—making water safety education available to those who need it most.