Swim lesson programs beginning Feb. 3
Water safety experts say the best time to learn to swim is now, so parents and their children have time to become comfortable and confident in the water.
”Learning swimming skills takes time,” said Arthur Soybel, senior aquatics director for the Somerset Valley YMCA’s Bridgewater branch. “Drowning remains the second-leading cause of death nationwide in children ages 4-14, so it is never too soon to begin teaching children water safety.”
The Y is offering a variety of swim programs at its Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville YMCA branches starting Feb. 3. The Somerset Valley YMCA offers classes for children as young as six months through beginner and intermediate adults.
”At the Y, we are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming skills and water safety practices.” said Lisa Slover, aquatics director at the Hillsborough branch.
To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in swim safety programs, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need to help cover the cost.
”Our goal is to save lives,” said Frank Oliver, aquatics director at the Somerville branch.
In addition to their regular schedule of swim lessons, both Somerville and Hillsborough offer a 1-week Y SPLASH swim class the week of April 14-18. Y SPLASH is an introduction to swimming for children ages 3 through 11.
Contact each branch or see the YMCA’s web site at www.ymcasomersetvalley.org for a swim class schedule.