The YMCA of the Northwoods is proud to be offering the Y SPLASH program again this spring. Thanks to a grant from the United Way, the Y will be able to provide this critical water safety program for all second and fourth grade students in the tri-county area at no cost to the school, aside from transportation. All public, private, charter school and home-schooled students are included in the grant.

Y SPLASH, which stands for Swim, Play and Learn Aquatic Safety Habits, is a hands-on training program designed to help both swimmers and non-swimmers stay safe and healthy in and around the water.

Each second grade student will have the opportunity to participate in two separate one-hour sessions in our warm family pool:

1. Safety Skills Training-Students will learn and practice basic water awareness and safety, including recognizing and responding safely in an aquatic emergency, reaching and throwing assists, fitting and swimming in a life jacket, safe boating and capsizing protocols, and personal safety skills: bobbing to safety, survival float and treading water.

2. Safety Swim Lesson-Students will receive instruction and practice basic swimming skills including safe water entry and water adjustment, kicking and paddling, front and back float and glide, bobbing and rhythmic breathing. Instruction will be developmentally appropriate and allow each child to progress at her or his own pace.

Each fourth grade student will have the opportunity to participate in one two-part, hour and a half session at the YMCA:

1. Review of Safety Skills Training: Students will have a brief lesson/review of safety skills similar to the 2nd grade SPLASH curriculum.

2. Fun Time: Students will enjoy the remaining time designated as “Fun Time.” The slide will be turned on for those who meet requirements to ride it and mushroom will be turned on for all kids to enjoy. This is the perfect opportunity for kids to get their water skills in check before summer.

The United Way Grant covers the YMCA instructional program and facility use. Each school is responsible for bussing costs.

For further information about the Y SPLASH program and how to schedule sessions for students, please contact the Y Aquatic Department at (715) 362-9622, ext. 111 or respond by email to Mnieman@ymcanw.org.