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Community Corner

Stay Safe, Healthy and Happy With Y Swim Programs

In May 2014, Y-USA is recognizing National Water Safety Month.  As part of that initiative, the North Suburban YMCA is offering a free Water Safety Program and Free Family Swim for Members and Non-YMCA Members alike on Friday, May 16. Events include a Summer Water Safety Seminar at 5:30 and again at 6:00, followed by Free Family Swim from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

Summertime means pool time for many children and adults.  As you venture to your favorite spots to swim and play, the North Suburban YMCA reminds swimmers to practice safety when in or around the water.  As part of its commitment to strengthening 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.

“Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it’s an easy way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina,” said Howard Schultz, CEO, North Suburban YMCA. “The Y encourages all children and adults to learn how to swim. It’s never too late. Basic swimming skills and water safety practices save lives every day.”

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The North Suburban YMCA recommends children and adults practice the following safety tips when in and around the water:

·         Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.

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·         Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.

·         Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. 

·         Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.

·         Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, swimmers at the Y can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends, and develop confidence and a positive mental attitude. Swimming also is a great way to help more children be physically active. Only 19 percent of U.S. children get 60 minutes of physical activity a day, according to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the North Suburban YMCA has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 40 years.  There are a variety of programs to choose from, including private and group instructional swim lessons, family swim, swim team, and water aerobics. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs. For more information about aquatics programs at the North Suburban Y, visit http://nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and to make services accessible for all families and individuals. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its 15-city region for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation, call Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250, bflanagin@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.

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