Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for drowning fatalities. However, learning water safety skills and how to swim saves lives. The YMCA is the leading provider of swim lessons in the United States and has offered group swimming lessons for nearly 120 years, teaching children and adults how to be safe in and around water.
“With backyard pools and Oklahoma’s natural lakes and rivers, water-related activities are a part of life here,” says Bryan Wilcox, aquatics director and district executive director of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “We want every child and adult to feel confident in the water and have the skills they need to stay safe.”
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, drowning is the state’s leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and approximately 18 children die from drowning each year. In addition, surveys have shown that while 9 out of 10 parents agree that swimming is an essential life skill, 24 percent still lack confidence in their child’s water safety abilities, reports the YMCA of USA (YUSA).
Swimming Lessons Year-Round
To help parents equip their children with essential life-saving water skills, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City offers lessons every month of the year. YMCA members can register for swim lessons on the 18th of each month, with non-member registration opening on the 20th — and members always receive a discount. Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, from infants as young as six months to adults. Class options include group lessons, private lessons and parent-child classes for the youngest swimmers.
“We encourage parents not to wait until summer to begin swimming lessons,” says Wilcox. “Learning to swim outside of the summer rush can give a child more time to strengthen their skills and techniques. Along with water safety, we want everyone to have a positive experience and develop a love and respect for water that will last a lifetime.”
The YMCA’s Water Safety curriculum focuses on the core skills every person needs to be safe around water, with a natural progression to competitive swim strokes. Students build on what they’ve learned, celebrate their successes and gain the self-confidence that comes with becoming a capable swimmer. To help parents know where to start, the YMCA offers a quick online quiz to determine which level of swim lessons is the right fit for their child.
Adaptive Aquatics
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City also offers an Adaptive Aquatics program to ensure that swimmers of all abilities have access to quality instruction. Classes are small, structured and personalized to meet each participant’s unique needs. Swimmers work on becoming comfortable in the water and developing independent assisted movement, while also learning water safety skills and pool rules. Parents and caregivers are always welcome in the water if additional support is needed, making this program an ideal option for those needing a more personalized class setting.
Year-Round Water Fun
Fun at the pool doesn’t have to stop when summer ends. The YMCA’s indoor pools are open year-round, offering open swim hours and a fun alternative for winter birthday parties and celebrations. Find your local YMCA’s list of birthday party and rental options at ymcaokc.org/birthday-parties-rentals.
YMCA Swim League
For swimmers ready to take their ability to the next level, the YMCA Swim League offers a developmental program designed to prepare athletes for club or school teams. With an emphasis on competitive skills, teamwork and confidence, swimmers gain valuable experience through monthly meets held at the Mitch Park Competitive Pool, typically on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons.
From group classes and private lessons to competitive leagues and birthday celebrations, the YMCA is a year-round local resource for swim lessons, water safety skills and aquatic fun. To learn more, visit ymcaokc.org/swim.
