SWIM ACCESS

ALIGNMENT WITH YMCA SWIM LESSONS:

The Swim Access program follows the Safety Around Water curriculum that aligns with our swim lesson program. These lessons will focus on reducing their risk of drowning, teach basic water safety skills, increase confidence in and around water; prepare students to transition directly into swim lessons.

The Swim Lessons are customized expectations based on the student’s ability and supports for their skill development. Instructors facilitate skill practice and assess in multiple ways through multiple activities. Swim lessons are student centered and include fun activities to keep swimmers engaged and moving while they learn. The skills in each stage are minimum skills to focus the lesson, and instructors will challenge each learning in a safe environment. 

DID YOU KNOW?

DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE

The Y has been America's swim instructor for more than 100 years. Research shows that if a child doesn’t learn to swim by third grade, chances are he or she never will. Participation in formal swimming lessons can greatly reduce the risk of drowning. Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The West Cook YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your children sidelined. You need to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills.

The West Cook YMCA is increasing access to swim lessons focused on drowning prevention, rescue skills, and stroke development all while building the confidence of youth in a fun and safe environment.