YMCA of Greater Charlotte Safety Around Water 2020 Investment & Volunteer Opportunities SAFETY AROUND WATER
PROGRAM IMPACT
Safety Around Water is the Y’s on-site water safety program that engages low-income youth living in local apartment communities where pools are often without lifeguards. The 8-session course, taught
IMPACT
water safety and swimming skills that reduce their risk of drowning and give
THE NEED Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 14, claiming the lives of three children every day. At the Y, we believe a child’s safety in and around water should never be left to chance. Taking part in formal water safety classes reduces the risk of drowning among children.
70% of African American and 60% of Hispanic Latino children cannot swim.
However, many kids lack basic swimming skills and are often left unsupervised in apartment complexes around swimming pools. Research ability and attitude toward swimming and the socio-economic conditions of the child’s community.
2019 1,020 kids served across 30 apartment communities
More than 4,500 kids served since the program launched in 2015
SAFETY AROUND WATER TEACHES CHILDREN HOW TO: Climb out of the pool independently Swim on stomach at least 6.5 feet Jump in deep water and return to the wall Float on back Roll in water Help another person
At the beginning and end of the program, participants completed pre and post assessments
99%
improved or maintained their swimming skills.