YMCA Offers Free Water Safety Lessons To Reduce Child Drownings

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -- In the hopes of reducing drowning deaths among children in Hillsborough County, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the Florida Blue Foundation are teaming up to offer free Safety Around Water lessons to children March 18-21 to coincide with Hillsborough County’s and Pasco County’s Public Schools spring break.

The number of drownings in Hillsborough County spiked to 11 in 2018. That’s the highest in the state and more than the previous two years combined. Another six children drowned in Pasco County — two more than in 2017. Statewide, the number of child drowning deaths was 88, up 7 percent from the prior year, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.

The Safety Around Water program is free and open to the entire community, beginners and non-swimmers, ages 3-12 years. During the four-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water.

Classes take place Monday, March 18 through Thursday, March 21. Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. A YMCA membership is not required; however, due to limited space, preregistration is required at these participating Tampa Ys:

Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA

Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center

Campo Family YMCA

East Pasco Family YMCA

New Tampa Family YMCA

North Brandon Family YMCA

Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA

Plant City Family YMCA

South Tampa Family YMCA

Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road

Click here to register online.

The Tampa Y will also offer the free Safety Around Water program in May and August. The YMCA of the Suncoast, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Manatee YMCA and Sarasota YMCA are also participating.

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