State-Journal.com - YMCA teaches kids to swim

Photo By State Journal/Ginger Lopez

Nine-year-old Emily Devore got help from lifeguard Heather Lingen in learning the backstroke during Tuesday’s free swim lessons at the YMCA on Broadway.

Photo By State Journal/Ginger Lopez

Eight-year-old Antuan Lemon practiced reaching the edge of the pool while dog paddling with lifeguard Travis Bailey during a Tuesday session of the YMCA’s Splash Week free swim lessons.

Photo By State Journal/Ginger Lopez

Mackenzie Chagolla, 6, practiced swimming under the supervision of lifeguard Sarah Messick during the YMCA’s Splash Week that continues through Friday. Classes begin every half hour from 4 to 6 p.m.

Children ages 6-12 have the chance to learn swimming and water safety techniques - free of charge.

The first Splash Week began June 11 at the Frankfort YMCA. All week, instructors at the downtown Y will be on hand to teach basic swimming, and such safety measure as getting to the side of the pool and helping someone who's fallen in.

"The primary focus of Splash is water safety and swimming technique," Sunshine Sousa, aquatic instructor, said.

Sousa says the program teaches children to help themselves in any aquatic environment.

Splash Week is a national initiative throughout the YMCA, and Dave Steele, CEO of the Frankfort YMCA, said the local Y decided to try it.

Steele said the beginning of summer, right after school's out, is when most child drownings occur " mostly in backyard pools.

"This is orientation for kids, so they'll know their way around the pool," he said. "For most kids that haven't been in a pool, it's the fear of the unknown. There are no guarantees in life, but they've a much better chance once they've learned to swim."

The program features five half-hour sessions through the week, providing children two and a half hours of swim and water safety training. Lessons begin at 4 p.m. and continue at half-hour intervals until 6.

Becky Devore, mother of Chris, 6, and Emily, 9, said she'd seen Splash Week advertisements and thought it was a great idea.

"Emily knew how to swim and wanted to better herself a little, and Chris didn't know how to swim, so he wanted to come along We go to the pool maybe two times a week during summer break, and sometimes the Y," she said. "We like it."

She said it's important to her that her children learn swimming and water safety.

"They really enjoyed yesterday, and they (were) anxious to come back today," she said.

This year's Splash Week has reached capacity at 84 children. Sousa said the Y couldn't accept more, because the YMCA had to maintain a certain instructor-to-student ratio.

With the high numbers of children, Sousa said the instructors, most of whom are licensed lifeguards, found themselves a little busier than they'd thought they'd be. Sousa said she didn't feel overwhelmed.

"I kind of like being able to see all these kids getting help," she said. "The more kids we can serve, the better."

Though the YMCA offers swim lessons for $35 a week to members, Sousa said the free lessons for Splash Week are intended to attract those who might not be able to afford lessons regularly, and allow them to find out about the year-round financial assistance program at the Y.

"We want to let them know we're here to help," she said.

Splash Week was the first for the Frankfort YMCA, but Steele said the program would absolutely continue next year.

"When you have a chance to impact 80 kids in one week, it's wonderful," he said. "Something a kid learns this week could save their life or another's life."

Fifth Third Bank is the major underwriter for Splash Week at the Frankfort YMCA.

"They do a lot for us and we're real appreciative," Steele said.

Splash Week ends Friday.