During the summer, jumping into any body of water may feel like the only salvation from scorching temps. Before you head to the pool, lake or beach, it’s important to remember some obvious, and not so obvious, water safety tips.

💦Use the right life-saving devices. Many flotation devices, such as inflatable tubes and floats, water wings, noodles, blow-up rafts + inflatable vests, offer no life-saving protection. Use Coast Guard-certified appropriately sized life-saving devices and tighten the straps (tan lines matter much less than safety).

💦Jump in feet first. Avoid diving in any body of water that’s less than nine feet deep.

💦Be careful with that giant swan + mermaid tails. That giant inflatable doughnut that makes a great Instagram shot can pose a real danger to children. Mermaid tails may be a major trend for kids right now but they constrict movement and should not be worn in the water.

💦Teach kids to ask permission. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for kids ages 5-14 so it’s important that kids understand adult supervision is necessary when they are in the water – even in bathtubs. And while adults don’t need to ask permission, they should never swim solo.

Make sure kids and adults are ready for the pool with swim lessons at the YMCA of Greenville. Swim lessons at the Y are built onto each other so that you can move to the next level when you’re ready.

Lessons are offered at all of the branches with a pool – Caine Halter YMCA (downtown), Eastside Family YMCA (Taylors) and GHS Family YMCA (Simpsonville).

If cost is a barrier, the Y has a financial assistance program that includes swim lessons + youth sports.

*Content created in partnership with the YMCA of Greenville.