JACKSON, MI–May is National Water Safety Month. During this time,the Jackson YMCA offers Safety Around Water, a free program designed to engage and educate parents about the importance of water safety skills and provide more of America’s youth access to water safety lessons. The program focuses on reaching under served communities with a special emphasis on African American and Hispanic communities, where risk of drowning among children is highest.

According to a 2017 national research study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation with the University of Memphis and University of Nevada–Las Vegas, 64 percent of African American children cannot swim, compared to 45 percent of Hispanic children and 40 percent of Caucasian children. Additionally, 79 percent of children in families with household income less than $50,000 have no/low swimming ability.

Through Safety Around Water–held May 21–23 at the Jackson YMCA,parents and caregivers are encouraged to help their children learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills. In a one–hour session, kids will learn how to respond if they find themselves in unexpected water situations—from how to reach the water’s surface if they submerge—to safely reaching a pool’s edge or exiting any body of water.

“In Michigan we’re never more than 6 miles from an inland lake, so water safety skills are critical,” said Erin Parsons,the Jackson YMCA Aquatics Coordinator and director of the Safety Around Water program. “The program is a great starting point to get kids comfortable in the water and teach their parents the importance of developing water safety skills.”

Parents can register their children ages 5–12 online at www.JacksonYMCA.org for a single one–hour session. The website includes parent guidelines. Call 517–782–0537 or email erin@jacksonymca.orgfor more information.