VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — 19-month-old Daviana and her mother are taking the parent-child swim class at the YMCA.
“We have a boat and we go to the beach a lot. Daddy likes to fish, so we want to make sure our daughter can swim very well,” her father said.
Swimming is an important — and potentially lifesaving — skill: drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
YMCA staffers say children can become familiar with the water early — even as early as 6 months.
“In a matter of two to three weeks, she was doing really well. Now she’s comfortable in the water,” a parent said.
“Babies are naturally buoyant and relaxed, and anyone who is relaxed can float well,” said Vicki Coleman at the YMCA.
“They learn to be comfortable in the water through games and songs. They learn water-safety tips they can use at home,” Coleman said.
Swim lessons are one of the cornerstones of the Y. The YMCA is credited with pioneering group swim lessons in 1909, and its mission today remains the same.
“Anyone, no matter their financial background or where they come from, has the opportunity to participate in our swim program,” said Coleman.
Teaching our youngest neighbors life skills is what the YMCA is all about. It’s what makes your neighborhood YMCA 'Positively Hampton Roads.'
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