YMCA announces SPLASH week

FANWOOD-SCOTCH PLAINS — The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA announces SPLASH week, running from April 1 through 4, at their facility located at 1340 Martine Ave. in Scotch Plains.

Y SPLASH is a free program that promotes water safety in the community through basic swim instruction and review of water safety skills. By placing an emphasis on water safety and implementing awareness programs, the YMCA continues to take proactive measures in its goal of preventing drowning and water-related accidents.

Last year participants learned to tread water, float and provide assistance to a swimmer in trouble in the water. In addition, more than 200 students took a pledge to be safer around the water which included items such as only swimming when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; refraining from breath-holding activities in the water; moving out of the pool to shelter when there is a thunder storm; walking on the pool deck; and following all posted pool rules.

Increase your water safety awareness and improve basic skills by participating in Learn-to-Swim & Water Safety classes, which will run April 1 through 4 from 3:15 to 4 p.m. for kids ages 3 to 17; and April 1 and 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for 18 years and older. Participants will become familiar with basic skills such as floating and treading, as well as general safety in a pool area. The classes are open to the community and are free of charge, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Join the Y in celebrating SPLASH and increasing water safety awareness. For more information, visit www.fanwoodscotchplainsymca.org or call 908-889-8880.