As summer heats up, pools and beaches become more inviting and the YMCA of Delaware is warning First State swimmers to be mindful.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of injury related death for children aged one to 14.
Deric Clinton, Senior Aquatic Director for the YMCA of Delaware, says swimming is a life skill every child should have.
“Children should have the opportunity to learn how to float and they should learn how to move in the water and they certainly should know how to call for help and know the safety being around water- whether its a pool, whether its the beach or lakefront.”
To that that end, the YMCA’s Walnut Street branch in Wilmington is offering free beginner swim lessons for children beginning later this month.
Clinton adds making lessons more accessible is to crucial, especially in ethnically diverse neighborhoods where the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the average.
“We want to make sure that they have an opportunity to be a part of these programs as well, said Clinton. "Some of their caucasian counterparts, they have access to such a program on quite a regular basis and we know that through this program, it really is going to give every child in the community the opportunity to learn to swim.”
Each session consists of eight lessons over the course of two weeks. Residents do not need a YMCA membership to take advantage of the clinics.
Clinton adds community interest has been substantial. More than 100 children are already signed up for the free lessons.
For more information, you can visit the YMCA of Delaware’s website Y-M-C-A-DE-dot org.