YMCA and State of California Working to Save Lives of Youth

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - March 10, 2016 - PRLog -- The YMCA of Riverside County will partner with First 5 Riverside, the Riverside County Children & Families Commission, to offer children under the age of 5, from low-income and underserved communities, free drowning prevention classes and swim lessons. The lessons teach young people valuable skills like what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly - a situation every child should be equipped to handle.

The program is designed to reach parents and their children (ages 0-5) to teach them water safety skills, reducing the risk of drowning.  If the child is under the age of 5 and cannot jump into the water and safely exit the pool on their own, or has not received formal swim instruction, they may be qualified to receive free instruction. Funding will be provided by First 5 Riverside County and operated by the YMCA of Riverside County at a local pool in the City of Riverside.

Water safety can often be overlooked when teaching young children basic life skills.  In 2014, 4 children in Riverside County died due to drowning and 38 were involved in near-drowning incidents.  In a June 2015 statement by County Supervisor John J. Benoit, he spoke to the severity of drowning for children 0-5 in Riverside County. "Drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of five, in our county and across California. We must do a better job protecting our children and we can only do that by engaging the entire community. Drowning IS preventable."

The YMCA has been nationally recognized for its Safety Around Water program which teaches breathing techniques, controlling buoyancy, and opening your eyes under water as part of the curriculum.  The classes will be open to the public starting in March and will conclude in August 2016 having served an estimated 600 children and 300 parents.

Learn more about the Y's impact in Riverside County at http://www.ymcarc.org

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ABOUT YMCAOC/YMCARC/YMCASGV: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County, Riverside County, and San Gabriel Valley through seven (7) Health & Wellness locations (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Murrieta, and Santa Ana).  With an additional 150 after school programs, summer camps, sports & swim programs, Adventure Guides parent/child groups, and programs for youth and adults with special needs, YMCAOC is committed to serving our growing and diverse community needs.

YMCA staff and volunteers celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs. From youth basketball and swim classes to fitness programs and resident camp, Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise - To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org  www.ymcarc.org  www.ymcasgv.org