Be A Water-Ready Family
The Westfield Area YMCA and the Cranford YMCA are here to ensure that all families ae ready for a fun and safe summer. To do that, we're helping families become "Water-Ready" by developing water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning and building confidence and competence in and around water.
Water Wise: Water Safety Event for Kids & Families
Be prepared for summer and learn exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water, discuss safety topics, and participate in fun, themed activities that reinforce skills!
Water Wise (Main Y)
Sunday, May 18, 1:00-2:00pm
Free & Open to the Community (Registration required). Geared toward families with children ages 5-11. Located at the Main Y Facility.
Water Wise (Cranford YMCA)
Friday, May 23, 1:00-1:45pm
Free & Open to the Community (Registration required). Geared toward families with children ages 5-11. Located at the Cranford YMCA.
Did You Know?
9 in 10 parents see swimming as an essential life skill, yet 24% have low confidence in their kids' ability to stay safe around water.
Parents and guardians have a critical role to play in teaching their kids water safety skills - but they don't have to do it alone! With more than 110 years' experience equipping people with the skills they need to stay safe in and around water, the Y is America's most trusted swim instructor. Each year, the Y teaches more than one million kids life-saving swimming and safety around water skills.
Water Safety Tips
Here are six tips for parents to keep kids safe in and around water this summer.
Tip #1
Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Tip #2
Never swim alone without a water watcher.
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times.  Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
Tip #3
Supervise your children whenever they're in or near water.
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
Tip #4
Don't engage in breath holding activities.
Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.
Tip #5
Wear a life jacket.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Tip #6
Don't jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.
If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater