The Tampa YMCA offers “free” water safety courses. The first week takes place during Hillsborough County spring break, a week in May and a week in September. This four-day course is taught by certified instructors who teach children skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. The program is offered Monday through Thursday and each class is 40 minutes in length. A typical session includes exercises to help children adjust to being in water. Children will learn “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets they can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water and they cannot touch bottom. The course covers specific safety topics like “what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help” and fun activities to reinforce new water safety skills.
