For too many parents, safety in and around water is not on the list; and that’s something we need to change. Drowning is normally silent and goes unnoticed until it is too late. A child can drown in as little as 6 inches of water.
Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years. The problem is particularly acute among minority communities. African American children ages 5 to 14 are three times more likely to drown than their white peers. The disparity is partly due to the lack of swimming experience among these children.
Here in the Greater New Orleans area, the Y has taught over 1,000 children water safety and swimming lessons so far this year. Through Safety Around Water and traditional swimming lessons, the Y hopes to further bridge cultural and access gaps that can prevent some children from learning important water safety skills.
As the Association Aquatics Director, it is my job to promote water safety throughout the Greater New Orleans region. I come to New Orleans with 10 years of experience managing and working in and around YMCA pools, lakes, rivers, and swimming facilities. The Y is the leading provider of lifeguard courses in the region, and we strive to train employees and community patrons in the importance of safety.
If you know how to stay safe in and around water, swimming can be a lifelong source of fun and exercise. Instead of keeping your children away from water, help them learn fundamental water safety skills by enrolling them in swimming lessons. These classes can provide them a new, exciting way to keep active and meet new friends.
To learn more about the YMCA Aquatics Programs, please visit our website at www.ymcaneworleans.org/aquatics.
Rachael Jonas
Association Aquatics Director
YMCA of Greater New Orleans
rachaelj@ymcaneworleans.org