WATER SAFETY RESOURCES
PRESENTED BY
BEACH BALL 2024
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
AN EVENING TO SUPPORT WATER SAFETY
EDUCATION & DROWNING PREVENTION
ABOUT WATER SAFETY
3 LAYERS OF DROWNING PREVENTION
The Y is committed to raising awareness around the preventable tragedy of youth drowning. Swim lessons are an essential part of keeping kids safe in and around the water, but there’s no substitute for parental or adult supervision. Often times when everyone is watching the kids; that means no one is watching the kids. There should always be someone – a WATER WATCHER – designated to watch the kids, especially when they’re around water.
Prevent unsupervised access to the water by installing properly fitted barriers – like pool fences – and alarms.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE
From oceans to lakes to streams to swimming pools, water is everywhere: 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in it! And while water can be an irresistible place for kids to explore, play and enjoy splashy fun, it can be risky for those who haven’t yet developed their water smarts. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14, with children from communities of color at greatest risk.
Before letting your children hit the water, remember these tips to prevent Underwater Hypoxic Blackout – underwater fainting – and to ensure their safety in and around the water.
NEVER SWIM ALONE
Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty
ADULT SUPERVISION
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or lake, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
DON’T ENGAGE IN BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES
Children shouldn’t hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side-effects.
DON’T JUMP IN TO SAVE A FRIEND WHO IS STRUGGLING IN DEEP WATER
“Reach. Throw. Don’t go.” Use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. Help a friend without compromising your own safety.
ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN IN WATER SAFETY OR SWIM LESSONS
Just like teaching your children to look both ways before they cross the street, participating in formal water safety lessons teaches them an important life skill.
Our Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention efforts are made possible by the generous support of Mr. Dustry and Dr. Rhonda Milner and their foundation. Underwater Hypoxic Blackout is an underwater “faint” due to lack of oxygen to the brain brought on by holding your breath for long periods of time. Without immediate rescue, the swimmer quickly drowns. UHB is most common among physically fit swimmers, spear fishermen and free divers.
NEVER IGNORE THE URGE TO BREATHE
WATER SAFETY MONTH
water safety month MESSAGES & TIPS
The YMCA of South Florida has partnered with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to keep children safe in and out of the water during May’s National Water Safety Month and beyond. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with South Florida leading the nation in this statistic.
Press play to learn more about our 3 stages of drowning prevention and learn how you can reduce the risk of drownings.
Always check the water first.
Follow the 3 layers of drowning prevention.
Enroll your child in swim lessons.
Support the Y’s Water Safety Programs.
HOW CAN YOU HELP
YOU CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DROWNINGS
BE A WATER WATCHER
Be the designated adult who actively watches all children in and around the water.
SHARE
Share our Water Safety Messages & Tips on your social media pages using hashtags, #WaterWatcher.
GIVE
Donations make it possible to keep our promise of making swim lessons available to all, regardless of ability to pay.
YMCA AQUATIC LOCATIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER SAFETY AT THE Y
L.A. LEE YMCA/MIZELL COMMUNITY CENTER
1409 Sistrunk Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 315-0116
HALLANDALE BEACH
YMCA FAMILY CENTER
501 SE 1 Avenue
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
(954) 315-0116
