Grantee Profile: Swimming and Aquatic Safety Programs Result in Peace of Mind for Families

Whenever her 3-year old Alyssa was near a body of water, Michelle Ochoa of Bellflower would be worried about her daughter falling in and drowning. But now, two years after Alyssa started free swimming lessons at the Long Beach YMCA, both mother and daughter are more comfortable around water.

The Splash-It-Up Aquatic Safety Project, a First 5 LA - funded program, has given more than 2,000 families the same peace of mind. Now in its fourth year, the program offers aquatic safety, swimming lessons, and CPR courses for caregivers of young children.

During its Splash Weeks eight times a year, the YMCA offers free swimming lessons for any child 5 and under, as well as aquatic safety education for caregivers. The YMCA also provides scholarships for swimming lessons to low-income families with young children throughout the year.

"We have opened up a new world for thousands of families that would not have been able to afford swimming lessons for their young children," said Glen Patrick, program director. "Parent and caregiver education on water safety is particularly important in communities near the ocean. We provide safety information about sun exposure and ocean hazards, such as riptides," he added.

For information about the YMCA aquatic safety program, contact Glenn Patrick at glen.patrick@lbymca.org.