2nd Grade Swim Initiative:

A YMCA Safety Around Water Initiative

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.

Since 2015, YMCA of Bucks County has been pleased to partner with both the Central Bucks School District and Centennial School District to provide free swim testing to 2nd graders. During the in-water testing, students are evaluated in alignment with the Y-USA Safety Around Water rubric. Youth qualify for the next phase of the program based on their ability to confidently complete those skills.

The 7-and-8 year old youth who qualify receive water safety lessons with graduation goals to include treading water for one minute, performing a safe, basic rescue from the edge, swimming on the front and rolling into a back float and jumping in, swimming and returning to the wall. During the classes, children will be taught how to be safety conscious around water. The lessons are provided free to those who qualify, along with a free month-long membership to encourage family practice time.