Swimming lessons at the YMCA

According to the Red Cross, drowning is a leading cause of death for children in the United States.

In an effort to save lives, the YMCA in Ocean Springs holds swimming lessons for all ages, beginning at six months old.

One of their most popular classes is called ‘Parent and Child’ and is designed for the youngest swimmers. During the class, instructors help parents introduce their little ones to the pool and guide them through simple water safety techniques.

Aquatics Instructor Mandy Clark says she has seen the parent and child class make a major difference in many swimmers. “The class teaches more of the water safety aspect and just getting comfortable in the water by getting water in their face, knowing not to scream because it’s not going to hurt them. Getting them on their back so they learn how to float. That’s extremely important at this age because that’s how they breathe. So, we live on the Gulf Coast, right? There’s water literally all-around us. Getting these kids in lessons, they’re curious. They’re going to want to get in the water so teaching them young how to be safe around any type of water is going to save their lives one day.”

To sign up for swimming lessons head over to the YMCA on Government Street in Ocean Springs or check out MGCYMCA.org.