Swim First - YMCA of San Diego County

SWIM FIRST: A SPORT FOR LIFE

As you plan your child’s extracurricular activities and which sport/activity to introduce first, consider swimming the No. 1 priority. It’s not just about exercise, teamwork or developing a hobby; it’s a crucial survival skill that carries the weight of safety along with its physical benefits.

KNOW THE 5 LAYERS OF PROTECTION

Water safety is a lifelong endeavor, and it only takes a few minutes to learn these 5 Layers of Protection and help save a life. By learning this information, you can prevent a tragedy and save a life.

BARRIERS & ALARMS

It’s important to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems, to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.

SUPERVISION

Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.

water competency

Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.

LIFE JACKETS

When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. Ensure your life jackets are tested & approved by the USCG.

EMERGENCY PREPARATION

Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. Have a phone available and ready to call 911.

IF YOU'RE NOT WITHIN ARM'S REACH...

YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR

Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children 1-4. It can happen to anyone, but the risk is greatest for children. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so no single prevention strategy is enough.

20-60 SECONDS

Drowning is fast and silent and can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds.

88 PERCENT

88% of children drown with at least 1 adult present

TODDLERS

Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4.

First Sport, First Priority: Watch The First Sport PSA

Water safety is a collective effort. The broader the conversation, the stronger the safety net we weave around our children. While no one is ever drown-proof, learning to swim at a young age and using the 5 Layers of Protection can make you, your family and your community safer.

Swim Smart. Stay Safe. Learn at the Y.

At the YMCA of San Diego County, we offer swim lessons for all ages and skill levels — starting as young as 6 months old. Led by nationally certified instructors, our lessons focus on water safety, skill-building and confidence in a supportive environment. From learning how to float and kick to mastering safe pool entry and exit, every class helps reduce the risk of drowning while building lifelong skills.

Make swim your child’s first sport and register for swim lessons today!