FLOAT continues to make waves at the YMCA of the Suncoast. The drowning prevention program, specifically for children under four has doubled since last year with over 200 participants as of October 2024.
Hosted at all the Suncoast Y branches, the initiative began at the Hernando County Family YMCA in 2022 with seven participants. It was rolled out to the other branches last year and saw 41 total participants in 2023.
FLOAT teaches children under four how to roll on their backs, breathe and float to the side of the pool until help arrives. It is the age group most likely to lose their lives in an accidental drowning event in Florida – a statistic our state continues to lead in.
Those precious seconds can save a life. Sessions are “mini” lessons that maximize the short attention span of infants and toddlers while gradually increasing comfort level in the water through personalized instruction by certified FLOAT staff.
“Often, through multiple rounds of this program, children can accomplish these skills while wearing street clothes and shoes - how they will most likely find themselves if involved in a drowning emergency. This program has tremendous potential to save lives by teaching a vital skill to children. It provides parental peace of mind, while also allows us to better educate parents about their continued role in water safety,” explains Garrett Adkins, Senior Director of Branch Operations at the Citrus Y and Association Aquatics Advisor.
“We are grateful to all our donors for making this program possible. And would like to thank JWB of Pinellas County, the Stone Family Foundation, Remember Burke and Cayla's Coats.”
Parental feedback about FLOAT has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Parents tell us they feel much more at ease knowing their child has some lasting background knowledge. As Floridians, access to water is all around us. While this makes our area so beautiful, it is also vital that all in our community have the skills to stay safe around it. We feel that the Y has a responsibility to do all we can to prevent drownings in our community, and the FLOAT program meets that responsibility head-on. This program connects directly with the age group most often impacted, and through the many partners we have in this work, at a rate that all in our communities can afford.”
To support FLOAT or any Suncoast Y program, please visit our website.
Published Monday, November 25, 2024.