Add Swimming to Your Winter Sports

Swimming may seem like a summer sport, but Y water safety experts say the optimum time to learn to swim is now so parents and their children have time to become comfortable and confident in the water. 

“Learning swimming skills takes time,” Arthur Soybel, senior director of Aquatics for the Somerset Valley YMCA’s Bridgewater branch, said. “As drowning remains the second leading cause of death nationwide in children ages 4-14, it is never too soon to begin teaching children water safety.” 

To keep children and adults safe around water, the nonprofit Somerset Valley YMCA is offering a variety of swim programs at its Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville branches starting Feb. 3. The Somerset Valley YMCA offers classes for children as young as six months through beginner and intermediate adults. 

“At the Y, we are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming skills and water safety practices,” said Lisa Slover, Aquatics Director at the Hillsborough YMCA branch 

In addition to their regular schedule of swim lessons, both Somerville and Hillsborough are offering a 1-week Y SPLASH swim class the week of April 14-18. Y SPLASH is an introduction to swimming for children ages 3 through 11 who cannot swim. 

"Our goal is to save lives," said Frank Oliver, Aquatics Director at the Somerville YMCA branch. 

To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in swim safety programs, the Y, a 501c nonprofit, offers financial assistance to those in need to help cover the cost. 

Please contact any branch or see our web site at www.ymcasomersetvalley.org for a swim class schedule, registration information or to learn more about our financial assistance program. 

As a nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader nationally in providing swim lessons and water safety for many years, helping youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water.