ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As Asheville prepares for water hole adventures, public pool days and beach trips, the YMCA of Western North Carolina offering expanded swim education programming for all ages. May is National Water Safety Month.
“At the Y, water safety is about more than swimming — it’s about confidence, awareness, and saving lives,” said Ben Watson, senior aquatics program director at the YMCA of WNC, in a press release. “We are dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where individuals and families can build skills that keep them safe in and around the water.”
According to data from the Center for Disease Control, between 2018 and 2021, death from drowning in North Carolina averaged 1.2 per 100,000 people. Drowning is also one of the leading causes of death among children.
Fortunately, swim lessons can “significantly reduce that risk,” the YMCA of WNC said.
There are multiple types of swim lessons and water education available at the YMCA of WNC:
- Swim lessons for all ages at all learning levels
- The Safety Around Water program, which teaches survival skills like floating and treading
- Private and small group lessons
- Lifeguard training and certification
- Piranhas Swim Team for enhancing swimming skills
To ensure that access to swim education is available for all, the YMCA of WNC provides access to several scholarships and financial aid options. Apply here.
The YMCA of WNC suggests several simple steps to take to maximize water safety:
- Always supervise children closely when they are in or near water
- Learn basic swimming and water safety skills
- Wear life jackets when appropriate, especially in open water
- Avoid distractions like phones when supervising swimmers
- Learn CPR and emergency response skills
“By prioritizing water safety education, the Y is helping prevent accidents, build confidence and strengthen community well-being,” the YMCA of WNC wrote in the release.
Community members can explore swim programs, register for lessons, and learn more about water safety resources by visiting ymcawnc.org.
