LYNN — The YMCA of Metro North received a grant to offer free water-safety lessons at its Lynn and Melrose locations during February vacation for children new to swimming.
This funding came from the Baker-Polito administration’s Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) grants that were announced by the administration in August.
The grants aim to provide more access to swimming lessons and increase water safety in the state, as a response to a record number of drownings during the spring and summer.
“Drowning is preventable, and learning basic swimming and water-safety skills is one way we can reduce a child’s risk of drowning,” said Kathleen Walsh, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North.
The YMCA of Metro North teaches more than 5,000 people to swim every year and the SWIM grant will add 150 more lessons for children.
The YMCA of Metro North is now enrolling children ages 3-15 for lessons starting on Feb. 21. These free safety lessons are for children who have never had a swimming lesson at the YMCA of Metro North locations.
“The Y is happy to join in the governor’s efforts to enhance water safety in the state and expand access to children who have not had a swim lesson at the Y, or who are unable to afford lessons,” Walsh said.
The Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn, located at 40 Neptune Blvd., is also partnering with the New American Association of Massachusetts to provide swim lessons to people who are new to the country.
In addition to the free water-safety lessons, the association will launch its annual “Water Smart is Water Safe” campaign that includes safety information, tips, and videos to remind people how to be safe around the water.
“We look forward to partnering with the New American Association and others to raise awareness and provide people with more information and reminders about water safety in the coming months,” said Andrea Baez, senior branch executive at the Demakes Family YMCA.
Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional-injury death after motor-vehicle crashes for children ages 1-14. With warmer weather right around the corner, Baez said “it is incredibly important to remind people of safety practices that save lives and prevent drowning.”
Katelyn Papadopoulos, senior branch executive at the Melrose Family YMCA, said staying vigilant is one of the most important tools to prevent drowning.
“There may not always be a trained professional lifeguard around, so we all need to be water watchers and remind each other how to stay safe,” Papadopoulos said.
For more information on the YMCA of Metro North’s “Water Smart is Water Safe” tips and tools, visit https://www.ymcametronorth.org/water-safety/.
