Coach kneeling to instruct a team of girls in red NFL Flag football jerseys on a turf field at dusk
Young children in red life jackets holding the pool edge during a YMCA swim lesson

    Water Safety

    WATER SAFETY BE SAFE, HAVE FUN

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years. The Y is committed to making sure everyone has the skills needed to be safe in and around the water. Our water safety programs and partnerships make water safety exciting, fun and accessible.

    Five children in red life jackets and goggles line the edge of an indoor pool

    WATER SAFETY & SWIM EDUCATION SPLASH INTO SAFETY AT YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

    YMCA instructor in red shirt supporting a smiling child floating on their back in a pool

    WATER SAFETY, FOR A BETTER US

    YMCA of Greater Kansas City synchronizes everyday fun with essential survival skills. Accidental drowning is a reality that no parent should ever be faced with. By taking a proactive approach to water safety, parents and our community can reduce the risk of drowning.

    Instructor guides a young child in pink goggles swimming in an indoor pool

    LEARN ESSENTIAL SKILLS FROM CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

    Swim instructors are the connection between the swimmer and the lesson. Our team members undergo a rigorous training and certification process to ensure they’re passing on essential swimming skills. Through their trusted guidance, we build truly strong swimmers in our community.

    Smiling mother, young daughter, and father in swimwear together at an indoor pool

    PROGRAMS BEGIN AS EARLY AS SIX MONTHS

    Water safety is more than just learning to swim: being able to jump, resurface, tread water, float, and turn around are all essential milestones the youngest members of our community will benefit from. These critical skills are vital building blocks of early childhood development.

    Indoor lap pool with YMCA banner flags, a lifeguard, and a child swimming with a noodle

    CONFIDENT SWIMMERS, SUCCESSFUL KIDS

    YMCA of Greater Kansas City takes an encouraging and positive approach to water safety education through swimming lessons that keep children excited about learning. Each session focuses on building strong water competency and the comfort necessary for lifelong safety. Every child leaves each session feeling confident, capable, and proud of their abilities.

    YOUTH SWIM SAFETY BUILDING SAFE AND CONFIDENT SWIMMERS AT THE Y

    Smiling boy in goggles swimming toward an instructor during a pool swim lesson

    ENROLL IN SWIM LESSONS

    Kids learn life-saving skills through swim lessons at the Y. Our programs are led by certified instructors and emphasize water safety as well as swim skills and techniques. Lessons are for children as young as six months.

    Smiling boy in goggles during a swim lesson with an instructor at the pool edge

    PASS THE TEST, LOSE THE VEST

    We want your swimming experience to be fun and safe at the Y. Visit our blog for an overview of our swim testing procedures and pool rules.

    Three young boys jumping into an outdoor pool with a lifeguard watching

    TIPS TO MAKE WATER SAFETY A PRIORITY

    Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old. Read these tips to take an active role in your child’s safety when in and around the water.

    MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS, TOLD BY OUR SWIMMERS WHAT WILL BE YOUR SWIM STORY?

    To see her today with her instructor she was confident, she looked like she was having a good time. I feel like she will be even better.

    Swim lessons give me peace of mind, I can relax a little bit more.

      BLOG FROM OUR BLOG

      Two teen girls laugh and splash at an indoor water playground with a splashing bucket overhead

      DEBUNKING SWIM LESSON MYTHS

      Two girls laughing and playing under splashing water at an indoor aquatic play structure

      SWIM PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD

      Five children in red life jackets and goggles line the edge of an indoor pool

      TOOLS EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE SAFE AROUND WATER

      Two women tend leafy plants in a raised garden bed outside a brick building

      Every gift to the Y stays right here in Kansas City, helping neighbors access swim lessons, safe spaces for kids, and programs that strengthen healthy living for all. When you give, you open the door for everyone to play, grow, and belong, no matter their circumstances.

      Smiling boy in goggles swimming toward an instructor during a pool swim lesson