Aquatics – YMCA of Snohomish County

Safety Around Water (SAW) Empowers 646 Youth with Water Safety Skills

Posted on July 2, 2024 Updated on July 3, 2024 by Abbey McGee

EVERETT, WA. July 2, 2024 –– Thanks to generous grant funding from Y-USA, the YMCA of Snohomish County successfully provided vital water safety education to 646 children across the county. The Safety Around Water (SAW) program, which runs every year during the last two weeks of June, aims to equip children with essential skills to ensure their safety in and around water.

“Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” said Tom Wunderlich, Association Director of Aquatics Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “The Y’s Safety Around Water program provides children with the tools they need to explore and enjoy water activities safely.”

This 8-day course, led by certified instructors, focuses on reducing the risk of drowning and building confidence in and around water. A typical session includes:

Exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water
Instruction in two skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water: Jump, Push, Turn, Grab and Swim, Float, Swim
Safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help, pool rules, and boating safety
Fun activities that promote comfort in water and reinforce skills

Every lesson concludes with a handout for parents and caregivers, offering additional water safety tips.

Drowning can occur almost anywhere there is standing water. As a parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to equip children with the confidence and skills needed to safely enjoy water activities. This not only promotes physical health but also strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

“Drowning can happen quickly and silently,” emphasized Wunderlich. “By teaching these essential skills, we are empowering children to stay safe and enjoy the many benefits that come with being in and around water.”

SAW is free to participants and open to all community members. The program will run again in June 2025. For more information on YMCA aquatics programs, please visit ymca-snoco.org/aquatics. Financial assistance is available.

Marysville Y and Kendall Auto Partner to Launch 3rd Grade Splash Program

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Abbey McGee

MARYSVILLE, WA. June 27, 2024 – The Marysville Family YMCA, in partnership with Kendall Auto, is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its first-ever 3rd Grade Splash program. This valuable initiative aims to provide essential water safety skills and swimming lessons to 3rd graders in the Marysville School District.

The program kicked off in May, thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from Kendall Auto, enabling nearly 100 students from Allen Creek Elementary School to participate. The program will resume in Fall 2024. The goal is to grow the 3^rd Grade Splash program so all students in the Marysville School District have access.

Marysville Family YMCA Executive Director JJ Frank expressed his gratitude, highlighting the crucial role of community support in such initiatives. “We are immensely grateful to Kendall Auto for their flagship donation,” said Frank. “This program is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to invest in our children’s safety and well-being.”

The 3rd Grade Splash program is not only a response to the immediate need for water safety education but also a long-term investment in the community’s future. Lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water surround the Marysville area, creating a need for local children to be well-equipped to navigate water safely, especially with summer on the horizon.

The 3^rd Grade Splash program is supported by aquatics staff and volunteers. “We appreciate our YMCA staff and volunteers who make a difference in the lives of people every day,” said Frank. “Their dedication and hard work are the heart of this program.”

Through this initiative, the Marysville Family YMCA and Kendall Auto are not only teaching vital water safety skills but also fostering a culture of confidence and enjoyment in water-related activities among the youth. “By pooling resources and expertise, we are creating a safer community,” said Frank. “Our combined efforts are reducing water-related risks, ensuring that every child can confidently and safely enjoy the summer season.”

For more information about the 3rd Grade Splash program and how you can support this initiative, please contact JJ Frank at [email protected].

YMCA of Snohomish County Hosts Largest Free Swim Lesson in the County

Posted on May 3, 2024 Updated on May 6, 2024 by Zac Jagow

Swim-a-palooza Event Promotes Water Safety Awareness

EVERETT, WA. May 3, 2024 – In an effort to promote water safety awareness and equip the community with essential swimming skills, the YMCA of Snohomish County is hosting its first-ever Swim-a-palooza – the largest swim lesson in the county – on Saturday, May 18. The free one-hour event will occur at five Snohomish County YMCA locations and it’s open to all youth ages 3-12.

“We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to learn how to swim and be equipped with essential water safety skills,” said Tom Wunderlich, Association Director of Aquatic Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “By offering a free swim lesson, we hope to empower our community and reduce the risk of water-related accidents. Together, we can make Snohomish County a safer place for everyone.”

As summer approaches and activities in and around water increase, water safety is a critical skill. Drowning ranks among the leading causes of unintentional death worldwide, highlighting the need for comprehensive swimming education. By offering a free swim lesson on such a large scale, the Y hopes to mitigate risks and prevent accidents, ultimately saving lives.

Swim-a-palooza consists of a 30-minute swim lesson, water safety discussion, basic assessment of every participant’s skill level, and a brief open swim session where families can join children in the pool. Families will walk away from the experience with some new skills and information about what level their child should register for in the YMCA’s progressive swim lesson program.

“Water safety is a very serious topic, but our goal is to present it as a fun experience for the whole family,” said Wunderlich. “Kids will get a swimming lesson and some basic water safety information and then families can enjoy some time in the pool.”

This event represent just one facet of the Y’s ongoing commitment to keeping kids safe in and around water. As a leader in aquatics education, the Y strives to make swim lessons accessible to all Snohomish County residents. By equipping individuals – particularly children – with essential swimming and water safety skills, the Y aims to create a lasting impact on the local community.

“The goal is provide families the tools they need to enjoy water safely,” said Wunderlich. “It’s the time of year when the weather is getting warmer and people will be spending more time at pools and on the water. If we can help prevent one tragedy by educating the community, we will consider Swim-a-palooza a success.”

Swim-a-palooza is free and open to the community. To learn more and to register, please visit: ymca-snoco.org/aquatics.

Category: Aquatics

Safety Around Water (SAW) Empowers 646 Youth with Water Safety Skills

Marysville Y and Kendall Auto Partner to Launch 3rd Grade Splash Program

YMCA of Snohomish County Hosts Largest Free Swim Lesson in the County

Swim-a-palooza Event Promotes Water Safety Awareness

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