Mahaska County YMCA Improves Water Safety
Mahaska County YMCA
Oskaloosa – March 27, 2012 – The Mahaska County YMCA has released a policy change that will improve water safety for our community. Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related deaths for children ages 13 and under with nearly half of those children drowning in guarded pools. Ryan Harkema, Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Director, and his aquatics staff, reviewed local policies and consulted with the YMCA of the USA and other YMCAs in Iowa as well as Redwoods Insurance Group on implementing this policy. “Our Leadership Team and the Board of Directors are pleased with the new policies. We are doing everything we can to improve safety and I have already received positive feedback from parents in the community,” said Dawn Collins, YMCA Executive Director.
Effective March 31st, the YMCA will begin conducting swim tests for patrons ages 13 and under. The YMCA will have two lifeguards scheduled during open swim so one can guard while the other conducts the tests. Youth may be tested weekly. The skill and age of the patron will determine any restrictions that may be imposed by lifeguards depending upon swim test band:
· Green – Full use of the pool with minimal restrictions for ages 8 and under, consistent with facility policies.
· Yellow – Increased adult supervision required and Personal Flotation Device (PFD) required when water is above armpit depth.
· Red – Allowed in shallow section of the pool and PFD required at all times. In addition, a maximum of 1 adult per 3 children ratio allowed.
“These requirements will have a minimal impact on our aquatics patrons. These are common sense policies that the majority of our families already follow. We are really just adding the swim tests and bands to help lifeguards and parents identify the risk level of the youth in the pool,” said Harkema.
“Again, our goal is to increase water safety. We strongly encourage that parents enroll their children in swim lessons to increase water safety. Scholarships are available for swim lessons. If possible, I encourage you to apply at least three weeks in advance of the start date for the lesson you wish to participate in as we often experience waiting lists,” added Harkema.
To apply for YMCA scholarships, please provide a copy of your income for the most recent 30-day period and complete the form at the member service desk. For more information, about scholarships or the new aquatics policies, please contact the YMCA at 641.673.8411 or www.mahaskaymca.org.
