YMCA of Metro Denver Community Swim Lesson Promotes Water Safety In Honor of National Water Safety Month

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, according to the CDC. But education and awareness can help prevent these tragedies, which is why the YMCA of Metro Denver hosted ‘Safety Around Water: A Community Swim Lesson’ at the Aurora YMCA. The Y offered free spots for children ages 3 to 12 to learn essential water safety skills and build confidence in and around water. 

“We know the importance of water safety, and making these lessons accessible to our community is core to our mission at the YMCA of Metro Denver,” said Breezy Bolden, President & CEO, YMCA of Metro Denver. “We were honored to provide free swim lessons to 70 children in our community during National Water Safety Month, as well as to celebrate our 150th anniversary.” 

YMCA of Metro Denver partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (BGCMD) to offer free registrations to BGCMD members. 

“For many kids in our community, learning to swim simply doesn’t happen without someone stepping in to make it possible. That’s why this partnership with the YMCA of Metro Denver means so much,” said Erin Porteous, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. “We know swim lessons can be life-saving, but they’re also confidence-building in ways that stay with kids long after they leave the pool.”

In addition to time in the pool, kids engaged in dry-land water safety activities, including a life vest relay race and hands-on “Reach and Throw, Don’t Go” practice. Aurora Fire Rescue was also on site to give fire truck tours and share more water safety tips. 

“With pools opening for the summer, we remind communities that water safety should be everybody’s role, a community role,” said Siegfried Klein, Aurora Fire Rescue Captain. “Keep an eye out for one another, whether you’re at a guarded pool or an unguarded pool. Have situational awareness and a good tracking system for your kids — and never swim alone, always with a buddy.” 

The ‘Safety Around Water Community Swim Lesson’ pulled from The Y’s Swim Basics curriculum, where students learn fundamental personal water safety and swimming skills. All families throughout the Denver metro area are encouraged to enroll in swim lessons through their neighborhood YMCA.
 

Watch this video to hear Aurora Fire Rescue Captain Siegfried Klein visits the Aurora YMCA to talk about swimming and water safety — and share a powerful story of looking out for one another at the pool.

Watch this video to hearHeather Burke of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver talks about swim lessons and water safety at the Denver YMCA's Community Swim Lesson.