As families head to pools, beaches and lakes this summer, water safety becomes more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning in the United States each year, an average of 11 lives lost every day. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
Here in Northeast Ohio, where Lake Erie, rivers, pools and waterfront recreation are part of summer life, knowing how to swim is more than a recreational skill—it's a life-saving one. That's why the YMCA is committed to helping people of all ages build confidence and safety around water.
As America's most trusted swim instructor, the YMCA offers swim lessons for infants, children, teens and adults, along with competitive swimming, water exercise classes and specialized aquatic programs. Our certified instructors and lifeguards provide a safe, supportive environment where participants can develop skills that last a lifetime.
The YMCA believes everyone should have access to water safety education. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, helping ensure cost is never a barrier to learning these essential skills.
Whether you're introducing a child to the water for the first time or looking to improve your own swimming abilities, there's a place for you in our aquatics programs.
Learn more at YMCA Aquatics Programs and make water safety part of your family's summer plans. Visit https://www.clevelandymca.org/aquatics/