The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties Made a Big Splash with their Summer Water Safety Program

September 10, 2015 | Camden, Community News

This summer kids from Burlington and Camden Counties had the opportunity to cool off, have fun and learn valuable swim skills through the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ Free Swim Safe water safety program. Focusing on confidence building, the program taught children, ages six to 12, basic swimming skills as well as safety practices while in and out of the water.

The program was started to address a major need in the counties – to provide affordable, local swim lessons and swim safety to those who would otherwise not have access due to a lack of resources and instruction. The YMCA has been a leader in providing swim lessons to youth for over 100 years so the program was a perfect fit for the organization and its staff to come together and make a difference with the children of the communities they serve. “We are so happy to be able to open up this program to the children of Burlington and Camden Counties. It is a joy to see the confidence each child gains after successfully completing the program and learning skills that will last a lifetime,” said Valeria Galarza, Vice President of Strategic Expansion with YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.

The program not only had a lasting effect on kids who participated but on the parents as well. Parents can now rest assured that their kids are equipped with the education and tools necessary to safely enjoy pools and water activities – all while having fun.

The water safety program aligns with the Healthy U initiative started by the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance using the CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) program curriculum. The purpose of the initiative, the state’s largest and most comprehensive action plan, is to increase physical activity and combat childhood obesity through activities, like swimming, that help children lead healthier lifestyles. “The goal of the water safety program mirrors that of the Healthy U/CATCH initiative and that is to change the way families’ view physical activity – with self-confidence and community involvement. We look forward to many successful summers of swim programs to come,” said Galarza.

For more information about the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties and to learn more about their swim programs visit www.ymca-bc.org.

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