YMCA of Snohomish County Hosts Operation Swim Community Education Event
EVERETT, WA. April 27, 2023 – In recognition of National Water Safety Month, all six YMCA of Snohomish County locations are hosting Operation Swim, a community water safety event on Saturday, May 6 from 2 – 4 pm. As the largest provider of swim lessons and water safety education in the county, the Y prioritizes educating and equipping the community. This event is free for the community, but registration is required.
“Water is everywhere and it’s our mission to make sure every Snohomish County resident – regardless of age – has the skills to be safe in and around water,” said Tom Wunderlich, Association Director of Aquatic Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children, but also 100 percent preventable when kids and adults possess water safety skills.”
Operation Swim will focus on water safety education, including boating safety, proper sizing and wearing of lifejackets, open water swim safety, the buddy system and more. Families will have the opportunity to take a Family Safety Pledge, committing to be present and aware when children are in the water.
“The goal is provide families the tools they need to enjoy water safely,” said Wunderlich. “It’s the time of year when the weather is getting warmer and people will be spending more time at pools and on the water. If we can help prevent one tragedy by educating the community, we will consider Operation Swim a success.”
The first hour of the event will be a safety/education fair featuring information booths and activities. At the Everett Family YMCA (4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98203), the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be fitting lifejackets and sharing boater safety information and Paine Field Fire Department will be doing water rescue demonstrations in the pool. The community will be able to see first-hand what a water rescue entails, see the emergency equipment, and ask questions. Other Y locations will have local fire departments running demonstrations and activities.
After the fair, families can enjoy an hour open swim in the pool. Children age six and under must have a supervising adult in the pool at all times. Children under 12 must take a swim test and have an adult in the facility.
“Our hope is that families can receive some safety information and then enjoy family time in the pool,” said Wunderlich. “Swimming and playing the water is so much fun and can be a fantastic, safe family activity.”
Attendees will also have the chance to learn more about YMCA aquatics programs including swim lessons for all ages and abilities, Barracudas swim team, lifeguard training, employment, and more. To register for Operation Swim, please visit: LINK