Fanwood-Scotch Plains YCMA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YCMA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.
“As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YCMA annually teaches more than 450 children valuable water safety and swimming skills,” said Ellen Daudelin, aquatics director, Fanwood-Scotch Plains YCMA. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top-of-mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities,”
To encourage water safety education, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will be hosting Water Safety Day on May 19, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, 1340 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains.
Water Safety Day will include:
Water Safety Scavenger Hunt – 12:30-1:15 p.m.: Find all the safety items around the pool such as life jackets, water depth marks and life guards. Completed scavenger hunt cards can be turned in for a chance to win a raffle prize (see below).
Water Safety In-Water Activities and Open Swim – 1:15-2:30 p.m.: Try on a life jacket, back float contest, deep end swim test and more. Participate in guided activities such as noodle races, jumping station, floating contest and swim with a lifejacket. Or, enjoy open swim time with your family.
Raffle: Enter for a chance to win one of two prizes: a free CPR class for two adults or a four-week water safety swim lesson for your family (Four 30- minute sessions to take together)
Water Safety Day is open to the community. Adults aged 18 and older must bring Photo ID to check in and sign a guest waiver for all family members.
Register for Water Safety Day here: https://fspymca.as.me/water-safety-day or at the Welcome Center.
All Children must be accompanied by an adult; all non-swimmers are required to wear life jackets and be accompanied in the water by an adult who is within arm’s reach.
To learn more about the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YCMA’s swim programs, contact the Aquatics Department at [email protected], call 908-889-8880 or come to the FSPY’s Welcome Center.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA or visit www.fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.