May is Water Safety Month! As we prepare for a Minnesota summer filled with fun in the water, the Kandiyohi County Area YMCA wants to share some tips to keep yourself and others safe in the water. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety.
Tip # 1
Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Tip # 2
Never swim alone without a water watcher.
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
Tip # 3
Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
Tip # 4
Don’t play breath-holding games.
Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.
Tip # 5:
Wear a life jacket.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.
Tip # 6:
Reach, throw, don't go.
If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friends without compromising their own safety.
The YMCA is excited to get Willmar area families ready for a fun summer around the water with swim lessons specifically tailored to the child’s age, swimming ability, level of physical development, and confidence in the water.