YMCA launching important water initiative

Sussex Family YMCA is taking on an important and sorely needed initiative this summer. With a big boost from the Lewes Yacht Club Foundation, the YMCA is sponsoring a free open-water safety course on the first three Saturdays in June at Lewes Beach.

Lydia Schmierer, who coordinates the Y’s swimming and water safety classes, said the purpose of the sessions will be to teach preschoolers - from 3 to 5 years old - and youth from 6 to 13, how to enter the water correctly, how to stay safe once they are in the water, how to float in the water, and how to paddle back to shore safely.

While the 45-minute sessions will focus primarily on the children, parents will also be reminded that lifeguards at all of our beaches focus their attention on swimmers out in the water, not on children close to shore or playing at the water’s edge. “The parents will be reminded that it’s their responsibility to remain engaged with their children,” said Schmierer.

Sessions will begin with huddles on the sand with visual props to hold children’s attention.

There will also be life vests for all the children to wear, so they’re comfortable with vests if they need them, and also so they won’t resist putting them on when they get into a boat where they are required.

These open-water safety classes aren’t intended as swimming classes. But they are no less important. They actually build on the Y’s spring-break swimming classes which this year hosted a record 634 children.

With so many public opportunities to be in the open water in Delaware’s Cape Region - whether in ocean, bays or rivers - the YMCA is offering to help parents, who themselves may be less than confident around the water, a great opportunity to gain a comfort level and allow their children to enjoy the great fun of playing safely in open water.

Those interested are asked to preregister for one of the sessions. To do so, call the YMCA at 302-296-9622, Ext. 116, or email Schmierer at lschmierer@ymcade.org for the registration form.