Courtesy photo.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Simi Valley Family YMCA is signing up kids for “Safety Around Water” (SAW). This one-week program will be held September 13 through 17 at the Simi YMCA. SAW is designed to teach children water safety and basic swimming skills. It is offered at no cost to participants and is open to the public.
The 30-minute classes are for those with little or no swimming experience. Participants are grouped by age: 5 to 8-year-olds (class are from 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.) and 9 to 12-year-olds (classes are from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.). A family swim opportunity–where the whole family can have fun in the water–will be held on Friday, September 17. YMCA lifeguards will be on duty.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 5 through 14. “We are so excited to be offering one of our favorite programs, Safety Around Water, to the public,” says Ronnie Stone, President and CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “SAW helps children feel comfortable in and around water and to understand the importance of always practicing safe water habits.”
SAW is a water survival program, not a swim class. Children learn how to respond if they find themselves in unexpected water situations including how to float on their backs, reach the water’s surface if they become submerged and safely reach a pool’s edge. Fun activities are incorporated in the classes to reinforce skills.
Classes are held in the heated, indoor pool at the Simi Y (3200 Cochran St., Simi Valley). Participants can register online by going to https://www.sevymca.org/simivalley and clicking the Safety Around Water image. For questions, call the Y at 805-583-5338.