Swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by considerable percentage

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. For children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance reports learning to swim can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% for 1-4 year olds who take formal swim lessons. 

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics modified their recommendations about swim lessons, citing studies that show most children over the age of one may be at lower risk of drowning if they have some formal swimming instruction.

The Sheridan County YMCA is once again offering swimming classes. While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, YMCA Executive Director Liz Cassidy said the Y has made the scheduling of swim classes as open and easy as possible for parents so their children can learn this vital and lifesaving skill. 

The classes teach more than just swimming, it builds confidence and teaches the importance of water safety.

The YMCA offers many different classes for varying levels of proficiency in the water as well as classes parents can take with their children. Find the swim lessons schedule by clicking here.