Safety Around Water Program
From oceans to lakes to streams to swimming pools, water is everywhere: 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in it! And while water can be an irresistible place for kids to explore, play and enjoy splashy fun, it can be risky for those who haven’t yet developed their water smarts.
As a leader in drowning prevention, the YMCAs of Tampa Bay have teamed up to help save lives! Through the Safety Around Water program, Tampa Bay area children can receive free water safety and swim lessons at their local Y.
The Y helps children, families and adults learn essential water safety skills - which can be lifesaving. This summer, make the Y your home base for water safety. It’s never too late to save a life.
Over the course of four days, non-swimmers ages 3 - 12 will meet daily to learn:
- Exercises to help kids adjust to being in water
- Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim” - two skill sets for children to use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
- What to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
- Fun activities that reinforce skills
Give your child:
- The opportunity to build confidence around water
- The accomplishment of learning new skills
- The benefits of healthy exercise
- The lifetime gift of staying safe around water
In the News: 10 Tips to Prevent Child Drownings
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 4,000 people die from drowning each year in the U.S., and one in five of these individuals is a child under the age of 14. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and Florida, unfortunately, has the most child drownings in the nation. This is a tragic and preventable problem that affects families in our community and beyond. Read More»
Browse Offerings by Location
Please check back for additional offerings in May, 2025
Classes are free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Jim & Heather Gills YMCA
3200 1st Ave. South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727.328.9622
If zero results found when clicking "Online Registration" either no sessions are currently open for registration, or all current sessions are full. Please check back for future offerings or call your home branch for details.
Need help? Our staff is available to answer any questions about the swim lessons program - just contact us or stop by the front desk.
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