May 15, 2020 10:15 a.m.
The YMCA of Douglas County will have its annual Water Safety Day on Saturday using a drive through format.
A release from the YMCA said the organization still wants to encourage families to learn more about keeping kids safe, in, on and around water, as they hope to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.
The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in front of the YMCA. Those coming should enter the parking lot from Stewart Parkway. Two hundred life jackets will be distributed at no cost to area youth while supplies last. These are Coast Guard-approved type 3 personal floatation devices. The distribution is made possible with the support of the YMCA and a number of businesses and organizations.
The release said there will also be information to take home regarding water safety. There will be prizes and giveaways as well.
As part of National Water Safety Month in May. The Y encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming, beginning with water safety. Safety tips to practice in and around the water include:
*Never swim alone
*Adults should constantly and actively watch their children
*Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
*Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach
*Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities
For more information about the Water Safety Day go to www.ymcaofdouglascounty.org