Knowing how to be safe around water is one of the most important skills a child can learn. At the Piedmont Family YMCA, we believe every child and family in our community deserves access to that knowledge.
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14, and one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1–4. Across Virginia, the statistics are sobering:
The good news: children who participate in formal swim lessons have a meaningfully lower risk of drowning than those who don't. Water safety is a teachable, learnable skill, and it starts with awareness.
The Brooks Family YMCA brings water safety education directly into the community through two school-based programs for students from Charlottesville City Schools, Albemarle County Public Schools, Louisa County Public Schools, and Greene County Public Schools.
2nd Grade: Ben Hair Learn to Swim
A 5-week program giving 2nd graders five 40-minute swimming lessons at the Y. Students learn foundational water safety skills in a structured, supervised environment with experienced Y staff.
5th Grade: Water Safety Program
A one-day, hands-on program that takes 5th graders through five 15-minute water safety stations followed by a 1-hour free swim. Students learn critical skills, including reach or throw techniques, pool rules, and how to stay safe in open water.
Students Served
Our program continues to grow because safe kids make safer communities. We are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn these skills, regardless of financial or geographic barriers.
| School Year | Students Reached |
|---|---|
| 2019–2020 | 100 |
| 2021–2022 | 20 |
| 2022–2023 | 420 |
| 2023–2024 | 1,200 |
| 2024–2025 | 1,200 |
| 2025–2026 | 2,600 |
Interested in getting your school involved? Contact our Aquatics Programs Director, Michelle Cook at mcook@piedmontymca.org
Jump, Push, Turn, Grab
If a child falls into a pool unexpectedly, this skill teaches them to push off the bottom, turn toward the wall, and grab the side to get to safety.
Swim, Float, Swim
This technique teaches children to swim on their front, roll to their back to rest and breathe, and then continue swimming to the side of the pool.
Reach or Throw, Don't Go
If someone is struggling in the water, never jump in. Instead, reach with a pool noodle, rope, or stick, or throw something that floats. If the person is still in danger, find a lifeguard or adult immediately and call 911 if needed.
Calling 911
In a water emergency with no adult nearby, children should be ready to give the 911 operator their full name, their location and address, and the phone number they are calling from.
Checking your phone may feel like a quick task, but distractions around water can have serious consequences. The Y is proud to support the national Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, which reminds families to designate a Water Watcher and stay present at the pool or waterfront.
Take the Y's Water Safety Pledge and learn more about the layers of protection you can put in place to keep kids safe: PhonesDownEyesUp.org
Phones Down, Eyes Up Campaign Flyer
A printable reminder about Water Watcher responsibilities and the importance of staying off your phone near water. [Download PDF]
Safety Around Water Coloring Book
A fun, age-appropriate activity book for K–5 students covering pool rules, lake safety, the Reach or Throw method, and calling 911. Great for classrooms and family use. [Download PDF]
Water safety knowledge is the foundation; swim lessons build the confidence and skill to go with it. At the Piedmont Family YMCA, our swim lessons are designed for every age and ability level, from first-time swimmers to competitive teens.
Financial assistance is available, and our program is open to members and non-members alike. No child should be left out because of cost.
View Swim Lessons and Register at piedmontymca.org/swim-lessons