============================================================ TITLE: Safety Around Water TYPE: article VERSION: 1 VERSION_ID: c548b503-047b-4ff6-a8b9-a2c5eacc9767 GENERATED_AT: 2026-04-29T16:09:02.491Z SUMMARY: The YMCA’s free 5-day program teaches children of all ages and from all backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared. READING TIME: 4 min WORD COUNT: 648 KEYWORDS: Safety Around Water SOURCE URL: https://metroymcas.org/safety-around-water ============================================================ KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The Stats: * The Skills: * 2025 Dates and Locations: SAFETY AROUND WATER Drowning is preventable! # SAFETY AROUND WATER ### Drowning is preventable! The Stats: Two children die every day because of drowning. In the U.S., drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and is the second leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old. According to national research, 78% of African American and 62% of Hispanic children don't have proficient swimming skills. African American youth ages 5-14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts. Let the YMCA help you and your family learn fundamental water safety skills by enrolling them in Safety Around Water Week. ## The Stats: * Two children die every day because of drowning. * In the U.S., drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and is the second leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14 years old. * According to national research, 78% of African American and 62% of Hispanic children don't have proficient swimming skills. * African American youth ages 5-14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts. Let the YMCA help you and your family learn fundamental water safety skills by enrolling them in Safety Around Water Week. The Skills: Swim, float, swim In this skill sequence, children swim a short distance on their front, turn to their back to float, then turn to their front to continue swimming. Rolling onto their back periodically allows them to rest and breathe. The sequence helps children stay afloat until someone arrives to help them or they can get to safety using the combined skills. Jump, push, turn, grab  In this skill sequence, a child jumps into the water, pushes off the bottom, turns around to face the wall, grabs the wall, and safely exits the pool. The sequence simulates the experience children have if they are submerged in water unexpectedly. After learning the sequence, children have the skills to get back to the side of the pool or safety. ## The Skills: ##### Swim, float, swim In this skill sequence, children swim a short distance on their front, turn to their back to float, then turn to their front to continue swimming. Rolling onto their back periodically allows them to rest and breathe. The sequence helps children stay afloat until someone arrives to help them or they can get to safety using the combined skills. ##### Jump, push, turn, grab In this skill sequence, a child jumps into the water, pushes off the bottom, turns around to face the wall, grabs the wall, and safely exits the pool. The sequence simulates the experience children have if they are submerged in water unexpectedly. After learning the sequence, children have the skills to get back to the side of the pool or safety. The YMCA’s free 5-day program teaches children of all ages and from all backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared. Certified swim instructors will teach skills that reduce the risk of drowning and give children the confidence to be in and around water. 2025 Dates and Locations:  June 23-27 Sussex County, West Essex and East Orange YMCAs Registration Dates: Y Family Member: May 7* - 9Y Facility Member: May 11-13Community: May 14  *East Orange Individual Memberships included in Family Member registration. Register ## 2025 Dates and Locations: ### June 23-27 Sussex County, West Essex and East Orange YMCAs ### Registration Dates: Y Family Member: May 7* - 9Y Facility Member: May 11-13Community: May 14 *East Orange Individual Memberships included in Family Member registration. ### METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ ABOUT THIS CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------ Source: https://metroymcas.org/safety-around-water This content is provided for informational purposes. Please visit the original source for the most up-to-date information.