Water Safety Tips from West Roxbury YMCA

As swim season is upon us, the reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in West Roxbury, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.  

“The West Roxbury YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Kelly Salisbury, Aquatics Director, West Roxbury YMCA. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”

The West Roxbury YMCA recommends the following safety tips for children and adults: 

• Only swim when and where there is lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
• Adults should constantly watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is “on duty.”
• Inexperienced swimmers should take precaution and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) when in, on or around the water.
• Children who are beginners should stay within arm's reach of an adult in the water.

The West Roxbury Y helps youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including:

• Summer Swim Lessons: Lessons for infants, preschool, youth, teens and adults. Choose from daily, once a week or twice a week lessons.
• Water Exercise Classes: Choose from Water and Deep Water Aerobics, Water Zumba, Water Cycle or Senior Water Exercise. Visit ymcaboston.org for complete class schedules.

To learn more about the West Roxbury YMCA swim programs, please contact Kelly Salisbury at 617-323-3200 ext. 127 or KSalisbury@ymcaboston.org.