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Community Corner

YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties Launches "Swim Safe"

Free Program Helps Keep Kids Safe In and Around Water

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, along with local Rotary Clubs and public officials, recently held a “goggle-cutting” ceremony to launch Swim Safe - a free program designed to improve the safety of children in and around the water.

The one-day, four-hour program - open to children ages 6-12 - teaches basic swimming and water safety skills and helps increase self-confidence and security while near the water. This year, Swim Safe is supported by the Rotary Clubs of Burlington, Medford-Vincentown, Mount Holly and Willingboro. Programs are being held in Willingboro, Westampton and Burlington, with more sites to be announced.

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“We truly appreciate the generous contribution of the Rotary Clubs to make this program possible,” said Tim Kerrihard, President and CEO of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “We recognize that learning to swim is not only a great way for kids to stay healthy – it’s also a critical safety skill.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for children under 14 years of age. For every child who dies from drowning, another four receive emergency department care for nonfatal submission injuries. Nonfatal drowning can cause brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functions.

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For more than 100 years, the Y has been America’s leading swim instructor, providing recreation and special aquatics programs for all ages and abilities.

In 2013, the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties taught 1,300 youth using both the one-day Swim Safe model and a 6-week progressive swim lesson model at a variety of locations throughout Burlington and Camden counties.  This year, because of the generous contributions of community partners, the Y is able to impact the lives of more than 2,500 children - almost doubling last year’s number.

For more information the Swim Safe program, contact Linda Davis, Associate Executive Director, Aquatics at 856.231.9622 x302 or lindad@ymca-bc.org. For more dates and locations or to register, please visit http://www.ymca-bc.org/content/programs_classes/swim_safe.asp.

Caption:
The Rotary Clubs of Burlington, Medford-Vincentown, Mount Holly and Willingboro present a $7,500 check to support the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’  Swim Safe program. The free one-day, four-hour program - open to children ages 6-12 - teaches basic swimming and water safety skills and helps increase self-confidence and security while near the water. Programs are being held in Willingboro, Westampton and Burlington, with more sites to be announced.

From Left to Right: Tim Kerrihard, President and CEO of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties; Joe Stringfellow, President, Willingboro Rotary Club; Mike Gerber, Board of Governors Chairman, YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties; Dr. Christopher Manno, Superintendent of the Burlington County Special Services School District; Bruce Garganio, Freeholder Director of the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Donald Muller, President, Medford-Vincentown Rotary Club.

About the Y
The YMCA of Burlington & Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable nonprofit organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families.   With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 50+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.

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