Louisville YMCAs holding free swim clinics for kids this weekend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- All Greater Louisville YMCA pools are offering free one-hour clinics this weekend to introduce basic swimming and water safety skills.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and about 4,000 people drown in the United States every year. So the YMCA is making it a priority for families prepare their children for the summer pool season.

"It's really parents paying attention and swimming in a pool, especially, that have life guards. " Hailee Kaiser, a water instruction with the YMCA, said Friday. "Because if there's no lifeguard on duty and someone gets in trouble, it can go downhill really fast."

Optimus Morris, a 5-year-old member of the water safety clinic at the YMCA, joined because his mother wanted to get him started early. Ayrika Morris said her son is already conquering his fear.

"I want him to get comfortable enough so he's not like I was at 11-years-old still scared to jump in the pool," Morris said. "So even though water is dangerous, even if you do know how to swim, if he's more comfortable with swimming, that makes me feel a lot better."

Kaiser said it's important for parents or caregivers to keep their phones down and their eyes on their children. And when it comes to learning to swim, she suggests starting in the winter so you're ready by summer.

"If they get in and get tired, they can roll and turn on their back, relax, catch their breath, then roll over and continue their swim," she said.

Here are some tips on how to stay safe in and around the water:

For Parents:

Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
Designate at least one adult to closely supervise and maintain constant visual contact with all children playing in or near water.
Closely supervise your children whenever they are in or near water – don’t rely only on the lifeguard. And be sure to avoid looking at your phone, reading a book, or other tasks.
Teach children what areas to avoid, such as drains or the deep end where they will be required to swim or at least tread water.
Don’t rely on water toys to protect weak swimmers. Coast guard-approved life jackets are the only devices certified to protect children.

For Kids:

Never swim alone without permission and a parent or adult supervising.
Don’t participate in breath-holding activities or contests. Kids can lose consciousness underwater where no one can easily see if they are struggling or having difficulty.
Wear a life jacket and don’t rely on water toys and floatation devices.
Don’t jump in water to save a friend who is struggling – instead remain out of the water and reach, throw an object (small raft, kick board, or floatation device) to help them.
Avoid problem areas of the pool, including the deep end or drains – where young swimmers can get stuck and potentially be held underwater.
Look before you leap – find out how deep the water is before jumping in. The lifeguard or an adult can help.

To sign up for the free Safety Around Water clinics, click here.

Louisville jail officer charged with assaulting man who worked PGA Championship

LG&E and KU proposes rate increase to charge customers hundreds of dollars more per year

Louisville YMCAs holding free swim clinics for kids this weekend