YMCA of Roanoke Valley’s Y Splash program is a drowning prevention and water safety initiative offered as a free community service to area 2nd graders through their schools. The program is offered both in the classroom and at the YMCA. The first Y Splash program began 10 years ago and has expanded over the years to 37 elementary schools in Roanoke City, Salem City and Roanoke County Schools.
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14. The Y Splash program is a proven method for teaching children fundamental water safety skills that reduce the risk for drowning and give children confidence in and around the water. Skills taught include backyard pool, boating, and water park safety. Critical lifesaving skills include non-swimming rescue techniques, entering and swimming with a lifejacket, and how to swim safely in currents and wave pools.
In 2016, Y Splash was taught to 1,621 children. At some elementary schools, up to 70% of the students were identified as non-swimmers. This means that if they fell into water over their head they could not return to safety. These children were offered additional YMCA swim lessons at no cost to the participant.
The YMCA of Roanoke Valley is committed to ensure that children are safe in and around the water. The Y is seeking to train volunteers to assist with the program and sponsorships to make this life saving program possible. Schools from all over the Roanoke Valley are represented and those interested in volunteering should be comfortable in shallow water, willing to assist our lead instructors, and enjoy working with kids. Y Splash lessons run between 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A donation of $3,000 can ensure an entire school of second graders can complete the Y Splash program. For more information on how you can get involved, contact Nancy Brattain, Kirk Family YMCA Executive Director at 540-342-9622.
In addition to Y Splash, the Kirk Family YMCA and the Salem Family YMCA offer private and group swim lessons for children and adults of all ages. YMCA swim lessons teach safety and responsibility around the water. Participants gain confidence and self-esteem as they work to become better, safer swimmers. To learn more visit www.ymcaroanoke.org.
