SAFETY AROUND WATER
Our Legacy
With more than 110 years’ experience equipping people with the skills they need to stay safe in and around water nationwide, the Y is America’s most trusted swim instructor. Each year, the Y teaches more than one million kids life-saving swimming and safety around water skills.
Get Water Smart
9 in 10 parents see swimming as an essential life skill, yet 24% have low confidence in their kids’ ability to stay safe around water.
Safety Around Water (SAW)
From oceans to lakes to streams to swimming pools, water is everywhere: 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in it! And while water can be an irresistible place for kids to explore, play and enjoy splashy fun, it can be risky for those who haven’t yet developed their water smarts.​
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Golden K Kiwanis Water Safety Days
Sponsored by the Golden K Kiwanis club, Water Safety Day consists of FREE 25 minute sessions designed to teach kids and their family water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning and build their skills and confidence in and around water.
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A typical session includes:
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Exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water
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Instruction on skills that kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water and lifejacket etiquette
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Safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
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Fun activities that reinforce skills
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Adult water safety presentation & topic discussion
Water Safety Day
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 (Healthy Kids Day)
Time: 12-2PM (Register for a time slot from 10AM-1:15PM)
Ages: 4-14 and their families
Fee: Free
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Satelite Water Safety Days
Satellite Water Safety Days bring free water safety education to rural communities across our region. Each event includes 25-minute sessions designed to teach kids ages 4–14 and their families vital water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning and build confidence in and around water—especially in areas with access to lakes, rivers, and other open water.
A typical session includes:
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Exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water
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Instruction on safe responses if they unexpectedly fall in and proper lifejacket use
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Water safety topics like what to do if someone is in trouble
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Fun activities to reinforce learning
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A brief adult water safety presentation and discussion
Led by CPR-certified YMCA swim instructors and Red Cross-certified lifeguards, these outreach events are designed especially for rural and low-income communities where access to formal swim lessons is limited and risks around natural water and hotel pools are high.
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Interested in hosting a Satelite Water Safety Day at your local pool? Contact us here.