YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties offers free Swim Safe program

Looking to keep a child safe in and around the water this summer? The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is holding its final summer Swim Safe program — free for children ages 6 to 12 — on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Burlington-Riverfront YMCA pool located at 302 Commerce Square Blvd in Burlington. YMCA membership is not required for this program.

Swim Safe prepares children by teaching basic swimming and water safety skills and increasing self-confidence and security while near the water. Swim Safe is being supported by the Rotary Clubs of Bordentown, Medford-Vincentown, Mt. Laurel and Willingboro.

“Learning to swim is not only a great way for kids to stay healthy — it’s also a critical safety skill. We encourage area children to take advantage of this free program,” said Tim Kerrihard, President and CEO of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day about 10 people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. The CDC further reports that drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.