Dale Turner Family YMCA swim programs teach confidence and safety

Swim students practicing their kick at Dale Turner Family YMCAs swim class.
Photo courtesy Dale Turner YMCA

As swim season approaches, the Dale Turner Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in Shoreline, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.

“The Dale Turner Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Becky Vrieland, Aquatics Director, Dale Turner Family YMCA. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”

In honor of National Water Safety Month this May, the Dale Turner Family YMCA recommends kids 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.
• Adults should constantly and actively watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is on duty.
• Inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in, on or around the water.
• Parents or guardians of children who are non-swimmers or beginning level swimmers should be in the water and within arm’s reach of their child.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities in the water.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for many years. 

The Dale Turner Family YMCA continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. 

There are a variety of programs to choose, including family swim, competitive swim teams, group and private lessons for youth and adults, water aerobics, and much more. 

To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

To learn more about the Dale Turner Family YMCA’s swim programs, contact Becky Vrieland at 206-569-7006.