The Fond du Lac Family YMCA, in partnership with Fond du Lac Noon Kiwanis, and additionally supported by Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory, is thrilled to announce its 97th annual Kiwanis Learn-to-Swim, Safety Around Water program, available free of charge to children ages 4-12 in the Fond du Lac community. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort to teach water safety, reduce the risk of drowning, and build confidence in and around water, through essential water safety education.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children, and the Fond du Lac Family YMCA is dedicated to reducing this risk. This 4-day water safety program offers basic swim safety skills. A typical session includes exercises to help kids adjust to being in water, instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water, specific safety topics like “what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help,” and fun activities that reinforce skills. Swim levels available for registration include beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Program Details:
- Dates: June 10 – 13, 2024
- Location: Fond du Lac Family YMCA, 90 W. 2nd Street, Fond du Lac
- Age Group: Children ages 4-12
- Cost: Free of charge
- Registration: Online at https://www.fdlymca.org/kiwanislearn-to-swim.html, in person at the Y or by calling 920.921.3330. Space is limited.
- Deadline: Thursday, June 6, 2024
“We are excited to offer this essential program to children in our community,” said Jennie Mildebrandt, Aquatics Director at the Fond du Lac Family YMCA. “The goal of the safety around water program is to give kids the chance to learn the basics, to feel confident, and be safe in and around water. By providing free water safety education, we are increasing access to basic swimming skills that help reduce the risk of drowning. This initiative embodies our collective commitment to the youth in our community.”
Fond du Lac Noon Kiwanis has been a supporter of the Learn-to-Swim program since its inception in 1927, and Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory has supported this important program since 2021. “It is the longest-running program that the Fond du Lac Family YMCA has, and we can’t thank these two community partners enough for believing that these lessons are critical to the community. We truly appreciate their support,” said J.J. Raflik, CEO/Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA.