CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is expanding its Safety Around Water program.
The goal is to target children who could be more likely to drown and offer free swim lessons for families who can’t afford them.
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“This is to help build confidence in children’s swimming abilities and to teach them techniques if they were ever to fall into the pool, how to get out. How to call 911, get assistance and save themselves,” said Amanda McIntyre, the director of risk management Education for the Y.
She said lifeguards already helped hundreds of children from more than 30 low-income apartment complexes this summer, and this is just their second session.
“Mecklenburg County being the number one in drownings in North Carolina is definitely the driver behind this. We want to lower that statistic to the best of our ability,” McIntyre added.
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Experts say transportation, cost and language often get in the way of swim lessons.
That’s why they travel to you – and even offer CPR and swim lessons in Spanish.
In the four years since this program launched, organizers say it’s grown 10-fold.
It’s reason enough for mom and babysitter Patty Orta to get her kids involved.
“Just getting familiar with the water. Because my youngest one, he’s very terrified of the water. So if they can help him get over that then that’s better for me,” said Orta.
The program is free thanks to private donations and grants. If you'd like to sign up to get your community involved, click here.