About this Event
The Y's Safety Around Water program consists of five days of lessons that teach kids water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning & build their skills & confidence in and around water. Safety Around water is a free program, supported by our Y's Community Support Campaign.
Reach out about upcoming sessions today!
A typical session includes:
- Exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water
- Instruction in two skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water: Jump, Push, Turn, Grab and Swim, Float, Swim.
- Safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
- Fun activities that reinforce skills
Class Registration - Select a Time
Downtown
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
Hamilton
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
North River
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
Cleveland
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
REGISTRATION: Select your branch and then class time. Your child will be attending at the same time daily for the week.
If your child completes all five days of Safety Around Water lessons, you will receive a 25% discount on their next group swim lesson package.
Classes are filling up fast. If you are unable to join a session, consider one of our 2026 Summer Day Camps for your child. All day camps include FREE swim lessons. Browse options now.
Be Water Smart From the Start!
Annually, over 3,500 American children are treated in the emergency due to a drowning-related incident. Approximately 75% of child drownings occur because of a lapse in adult supervision of less than five minutes.
- It takes less than one minute for a child to silently slip below the water's surface.
- Most drownings occur within 10-30 feet of safety.
You are your child's best lifeguard. However, without proper training or strong swimming ability, you could put yourself in danger. If possible, only swim in areas where a lifeguard is present. Use barriers around the pool and assign an adult to supervise pool activities even when a lifeguard is on duty. Never jump in to save someone. Throw out a flotation device or use a pole to reach a drowning child or adult.
We believe the ability to swim is a critical life skill for every child, teen and adult. In swim lessons, we use a variety of methods to help overcome fears, build confidence in the water and develop skills that last a lifetime. Qualified instructors meet kids and adults at their own level, help families set achievable goals and celebrate all successes.
We offer free swim assessments to Y members under the age of 12 that include:
- Treading water for one minute
- Swimming the length of the pool
- Floating on front and back
- Jumping into water over their head
If your child is unable to complete this test, they should remain in the shallow end of the pool and within arm's length of an adult at all times.
Swim Test
All children age 13 and under must take a swim test before entering any swimming pools at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. This video will walk you and your child through each step of the swim test, demonstrating what they'll need to do to pass the swim test.
Event Venue
Downtown Family YMCA, 301 West 6th Street, Chattanooga, United States
