Safe Swim Program (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays) July 22 - August 1, 2014 7:00 p.m.

The numbers are staggering. Drowning ranks fifth among adults and second among children as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. 70% of African American children, 60% of Latino children and 40% of Caucasian children have low or no swimming ability. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Texas led the nation in pool drowning deaths in 2012. The Texas Dept of Family and Protective Services reported in 2012 that Tarrant County ranks second in total number as well as per capita pediatric drowning deaths. 60% of pediatric drowning deaths in Fort Worth are < 4 y.o. Anglo children who drown in backyard swimming pools. The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition’s mission is to prevent drownings in Fort Worth.

This program is a water safety and drowning prevention class for ages 3 years old to 103 years old.

Upon completion of all 8 lessons each participant will receive a US Coast Guard approved life jacket and a certificate of completion.

Where: Eastside YMCA (1500 Sandy Lane., Fort Worth, Texas 76112)

When: July 22 - August 1, 2014 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Attendance at all lessons is required. A child cannot participate without an adult caregiver in attendance.

Curriculum Goals:

• Water comfort - face and head in water.
• Floating - demonstrated ability to float.
• Tread water - demonstrated ability to tread water.
• Safely swim 10 yards.
• State 3 of 5 rules of water safety.

Important Information:

A parent/guardian informational meeting will be held on July 14th at 6:30 p.m. and again on July 17th at 6:30 p.m. Please plan on attending one of these meetings. During the meeting you will find out more about the Drowning Prevention Program and what you can expect while in the water with the instructors. Adult participants please plan to attend one of the two sessions as well. Meetings will be held at the Eastside YMCA, ask the frontdesk for the exact location.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 AT 5 P.M.

These drowning prevention sessions are for those who wish to learn life saving techniques. Parents or siblings that can swim do not need to register, there will be instructors, life guards and swim buddies to assist with students.