Dive into Safety

With summer just around the corner, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is emphasizing the importance of water safety and urging families and guardians to enroll their children in life-saving swim lessons.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death among children 1 to 4 years old. Every year, there are 4,000 fatal drownings in the United States, the equivalent of 11 drowning deaths per day.

“We know that teaching children how to swim and be safe around water reduces the risk of drowning,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County. “We consider our programs vital to keeping children and people of all ages safe in and around all bodies of water, whether at the ocean, a lake or a pool.”

Nicknamed “America’s swim instructor,” the Y teaches more than 1 million children water safety and swimming skills every year. Locally, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County offers a variety of aquatics programs throughout the year, including swim lessons for infants as young as six months up to adults. The Y also offers family swim time and competitive swimming.

As part of its commitment to social responsibility, Goganzer noted, the Y has long offered community outreach programs to increase water safety instruction in less-served communities. Third graders in Red Bank, Long Branch and Old Bridge receive free swim lessons that help prepare them for a fun and safe summer around water.

The YMCA suggests five tips to keep children safe at beaches, lakes and pools:

Buddy Up - Never allow children to swim alone and teach them to use the buddy system, even at public pools, lakes, or beaches with lifeguards.

Lifeguards on Duty - Always swim where lifeguards are on duty and only allow children to swim in designated guarded areas.

Provide Adult Supervision - Adults should constantly and actively watch children in and around the water, even when lifeguards are present. If children can’t swim, always keep them within an arm's reach.

Wear a Life Jacket - Inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard- approved life jacket in and around water.

No Breath Holding – Children shouldn’t hold their breath for prolonged periods while swimming. This can cause drowning and can have other severe side effects.

Registration for Y summer swim lessons and other activities begins June 3 for members and June 10 for non-members. The summer programs run June 24 through August 18. Anyone who signs up for membership through July 1, will have the enrollment fee waived.

For more information about Y membership, financial assistance, swim lessons, programs, volunteering or donating, visit ymcanj.org.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
For 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has been here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. Over the past five years, our Y has provided more than $5 million in financial assistance and subsidies to Y participants throughout greater Monmouth County. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in eight communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; an outdoor day camp in Wall; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; a childcare center in Freehold Township; and integrated in over 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace in 2023 and 2022 by New Jersey Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.