LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — As drowning deaths continue to rise across the country, the Lima Family YMCA is working to reverse the trend through its annual “Splash” program.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14. In response, the YMCA is once again offering a week-long introduction to swimming and water safety. The “Splash” program aims not only to teach children how to stay safe in and around water but also to educate parents.
In response, the YMCA is once again offering a week-long introduction to swimming and water safety.
“But what the opportunity is,” said Kody Graham, head swim coach at the Lima YMCA, “is we get a chance to teach young swimmers, young people in our community, how to be safe around water. We also get a chance to interact with their parents, to share the language we use and the process we go through — how to safely enter and exit a body of water, and how to protect themselves in challenging situations.”
Thanks to support from Kewpee and other community sponsors, the cost of the Splash program is just $5 per child. Sessions will run June 2 through June 6, with classes available for children ages 3 to 5 and for those age 6 and older. To register or learn more, contact the Lima Family YMCA at (419) 223-6045.
