FAMILY FUN: JUST ADD WATER

Summer trips to the pool are a great way to dive into some old-fashioned fun with your family.

Practice basic swimming skills like kicking or floating with your younger kids.

If your children are capable swimmers try some of these classic pool games. If you don’t remember the rules, don’t worry. We’ll catch you up on the basics.

Marco Polo

Who doesn't love this fun water game of tag? One person is ‘it’ and counts (usually underwater) as the other participants scatter around the pool. When the person who is it comes up, she yells ‘Marco,’ keeping her eyes closed. The other participants respond with Polo! This call and response continues until the person who is ‘it’ tags someone.
It only takes two to play this classic pool game, but the more the merrier.

Simon Says

This traditional game takes an exciting twist when you’re in the pool. Players all line up with the exception of one player who is designated ‘Simon.’ Simon calls out directions for the other players. (Some examples of commands are jump, twist, dunk underwater, or cannonball in the pool). Players who don't follow Simon's orders are eliminated. The last player standing wins.

London Bridge

Two players stand in the water holding each other's hands shoulder level forming a 'bridge'. The other players then walk below the bridge one by one. Each time a player passes under the bridge, the bridge is lowered. Eventually the players must swim under the water to cross the bridge. This helps strengthen your child’s agility, concentration and coordination. It’s also a lot of fun!

Sharks and Minnows

This is the pool version of tag. One player is designated the chaser and must count to a certain number before chasing other players. The player tagged by the chaser then becomes the new chaser. Just remind your children to be mindful of other’s space in the pool.

Pool Rule

Remember, only play these pool games with a lifeguard or responsible adult watching.

We hope to see you at one of our Y pools.

YOTA: GOING FOR THE GOLD

The nation’s best swimmers are competing in Omaha, Nebraska June 25 – July 2 to determine who will represent the USA in the Olympic Games in London. Seven current and former YMCA of the Triangle Area (YOTA) swimmers are diving into the action.

“At the YOTA Swim Team, we have a team-first focus. We work hard at the long-term development of our athletes,” says Chad Onken, YOTA Swim Team Head Coach.

YOTA Swimmer Charlie Houchin 
2010 GETTY FILE PHOTO - GETTY IMAGES

The success of the YOTA Swim Team makes spectators wonder if there is something special in the water. Head Coach Chad Onken laughs off that theory. He credits some old-fashioned methods for the team’s lightning speed.

“We have the best coaching staff in North Carolina. And, our goal-oriented athletes simply get the job done.”

Those athletes are Sabrina Benson, Charlie Houchin, Dominick Glavich, Joe Bonk, Zach McGinnis, Colin Ellington and Nick Walkotten, who also serves as an assistant coach of the YOTA Swim Team.

“I am a coach first and an athlete second, says Walkotten, “It has been a juggling act to make sure I'm prepared to coach my groups and also find enough time to train myself. Wearing both hats has allowed me to maintain my athleticism by training smarter, not just harder.”

The competition is fierce. More than 1,800 swimmers are vying for 26 slots on the men’s team and 26 slots on the women’s team.

“I'm even more excited for the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympic Trials,” says Onken. “I know YOTA will be taking even more athletes.”

For a schedule and results go to usaswimming.org. You can also keep tabs on our YOTA swimmers on the YMCA of the Triangle website.

SEVERE WEATHER POOL POLICIES

Everyone out of the pool! That’s the last thing you want to hear on a hot, summer day at the pool. But at the Y, safety is our top priority. That’s why we want to remind you of our indoor and outdoor pool policies when it comes to severe weather.

YMCA of the USA and the National Lightning Safety Institute recommend that both outdoor and indoor pools be cleared during a lightning storm.

We follow the 30-minute rule at all of YMCA of the Triangle pools. All Y pools (indoor and outdoor) close for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

“A lot of members want to know why we close our indoor pools during a storm,” says George Allen, vice president of risk at the YMCA of the Triangle. “Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Just because a pool is surrounded by a structure does not make it safe during a storm.”

Here are some facts about lightning:

•        13% of all lightning incidents involved swimming, boating or fishing.
•        Thunder is usually heard up to 12 miles from a lightning strike. In other words, if you can hear thunder, you’re in danger of lightning.
•          Lightning strikes can reach up to 10 miles.

We want everyone to have a fun, safe summer at our YMCA pools!

SWIMMING SAFETY

We can’t wait to dive into summer at the Y! There’s nothing like that cool dip in the pool. But we want it to be a safe, fun experience.

We hate to brag, but the YMCA has been stressing the importance of swim lessons and swim safety since 1909. More than 100 years later, swimming remains a core program here at the YMCA of the Triangle.

At the Y, we believe swimming is a critical life skill for everyone in the family. That’s why we offer a wide variety of swim classes and swim teams.

“YMCA swim lessons are successful because of the relationships developed with children and families in our communities,” explains A.E. Finley YMCA Aquatics Director Justin Guest. “Children, and adults, learn more when they have a relationship with their instructor. They also know that relationship is built on the Y’s core values: respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and faith in God.”  

Justin urges you and your child to remember these important safety tips before you dive into the water.

Never swim alone.

Children (and adults!) should only swim under the supervision of a lifeguard or an adult who is a confident, experienced swimmer. Even in a shallow pool or lake, swimming alone is dangerous.

Only dive or jump into the deep end.

Jumping or diving into shallow water can result in hitting the bottom of a pool. This can cause a number of injuries including neck and back injuries.  You should also be careful because you don’t want to land on another swimmer!

Swim near the shore.

It’s a good idea to make sure that you can always touch the bottom of the ocean while your head is above water. Because of strong currents and tides, going out too deep is dangerous. Young swimmers should never go into the ocean without an adult.

Don’t swim in a thunderstorm.

Water is dangerous when lightning is in the area. Pools are required to close during thunderstorms. If you’re at the beach or a lake, it’s up to you to get out of the water when a storm rolls in.

Wear sunscreen.

It’s easy to forget about sunburn when you’re splashing around in the water, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly. And make sure to allow your sunscreen to sink in before jumping back in the water.

Practice!

The only way to become a confident, skilled swimmer is to practice, practice, practice. Don’t be afraid to use floatation devices – whether a life jacket in a lake or floaties in the pool – to help as you learn. If you’re looking for more organized swim instruction, talk to someone at your local YMCA branch about the best class for your child.

Now that you’re armed with these swimming safety tips, you and your kids are ready to dive in!

What water adventures are you and your family looking forward to this summer?