Summertime is on the way, meaning pool and beach time for many children and adults. In recognition of National Water Safety Month, the New Canaan YMCA reminds parents and swimmers to practice safety in and around the water. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the leading cause of death in children under age four and the fifth leading cause of death in individuals under age 24. Learning how to swim and basic water safety behaviors are essential skills for children, teens, and adults.
As a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety in New Canaan for over 60 years, the New Canaan YMCA shares the following recommendations to help keep our community safe while having fun in the water this summer:
- Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
- Be a water watcher and practice “phone down, eyes up” at the pool, beach, or lakeside. Your eyes can save lives by watching those in the water instead of your phone.
- Ensure your children are within arm’s reach at all times while swimming.
- Designate a “safety seat” near the water, a secure and stable position for children or individuals new to swimming.
- Take turns having a designated adult water watcher during parties and gatherings.
- Don’t engage in breath-holding activities.
- Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.
- Practice the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach and pull friends struggling in deep water to safety.
- Know your limits and don’t overestimate your swimming abilities, especially in unfamiliar water.
As part of its commitment to strengthening the community through youth development and healthy living, the Y offers a variety of swim programs that teach water safety skills and give children and adults the chance to explore the many health benefits of swimming. The National Y swim lesson program is designed for ages six months and older. Swim lesson participants learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by mastering the six stages of the program, from water acclimation to stroke mechanics.
In addition to its year-round swim lessons, the Y will offer morning swim lessons once again this summer at the Steve Benko pool in Waveny Park in partnership with the New Canaan Recreation Department. This year marks the third summer of the Y’s partnership with the Town to teach the lifesaving skill of swimming to kids in the community, with over 100 children learning to swim or improving swimming skills in 2025.
Summer swim lessons at the Steve Benko pool include preschool and school-age lessons available for ages three to 12. Lessons are offered in eight, five-day sessions running Monday-Friday from June 22 through August 14. Lessons are 30 minutes in length and run between 8:30-10:00 AM. New this summer, swimmers can register by age group and are placed at the appropriate swimming level by Y swim instructors. Available age groups include ages three to five, six to eight, and nine to 12.
Registration for summer swim lessons at the Steve Benko pool is currently available at the Y’s Member Services Desk and online at www.newcanaanymca.org/program-guide. Membership to the Steve Benko pool is required before the first day of lessons and is available for purchase at https://newcanaanct.myrec.com. Membership at the New Canaan YMCA is not required.
To learn more about the New Canaan YMCA swim lesson programs and aquatic offerings, contact Kristin White, Senior Director of Aquatics at the New Canaan YMCA, at 203-920-1643 or [email protected].