YMCAs OFFER FREE YMCA FAMILY WATER SAFETY EVENTS JUNE 26-28, 2009

This past weekend welcomed the first official day of summer, and the temperatures are here to prove it. As the thermometer rises, more and more families are making plans to enjoy the water – backyard swim parties, float trips, a Fourth of July long weekend at the lake. The YMCA encourages families to make safety a priority when planning water fun.

Ten branches, including Wildwood, of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis will offer free, two-hour YMCA Family Water Safety events the weekend of June 26-28. The interactive sessions will include activities in and out of the pool addressing issues like:

• What to look for in a safe place to swim in pools and open water.
• Safety tips for backyard, beach and boating safety.
• Demonstration and practice of simple non-swimming rescues for non-lifeguards who may need to help someone in trouble in the water.
• Overview of safety awareness, knowledge and preparation for adults and children.

The YMCA is the largest pool operator in the U.S. with more than 2,200 pools. For more than 120 years, the YMCA has been recognized as the nation's swim instructor, teaching safety and confidence in the water.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. For more information, contact:

Saturday, June 27
Wildwood Family YMCA, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 636-458-6636