YMCA stresses the importance of safe swimming

The YMCA has released information about swimming safety, providing a list of precautionary measures to reduce the risk of accidents.

The YMCA has released information about swimming safety, providing a list of precautionary measures to reduce the risk of accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the press release, 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning. It is the sixth-leading cause of death for children 1 to 14 years old. As such, the YMCA stresses the importance of practicing safety while swimming.

It is important to never leave a child alone near a pool. A child can drown very quickly and silently, with very few noticeable signs that he or she is in trouble.

The YMCA recommends that parents create layers of protection between the water and the child, such as fences or gates around the pool, pool coverings, alarms on doors and windows and readily available rescue equipment.

There should be adult supervision at all times, always within arm's reach of a child who is not an experienced swimmer. Designate an on-duty adult who is responsible for watching children. Stress the importance of never swimming alone.

Adults should also take precautionary measures while swimming.

Learn to swim. Remember to turn over and float on your back to catch your breath if you get tired. Inform others that you are going to go swimming. Never swim in a pool in which you cannot see the bottom.

Be ready for emergencies with the proper rescue devices and a first aid kit on hand. Try to be capable of performing CPR.

Never go into the water to save someone. Try to reach the victim with an object like a noodle, buoy or pole.

Have phone access near the water area.

Swim lessons are offered at the South Montgomery County YMCA, located at 6464 Creekside Forest in The Woodlands. The Summer Swim Program features parent/child classes for babies 6-36 months old, preschool classes for children 3-5 years old and youth classes for children 6 and older.

Adult classes are also available mornings and evenings, Monday through Thursday.

Private lessons are available by request.

The YMCA also offers a stroke booster class, youth swim league, youth swim team, masters swim, lifeguard training and water aerobics classes.

For more information, call the YMCA at 281-367-9622 or visit www.ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county.