Wicomico County 4th graders are taught water safety at the YMCA

SALISBURY, Md. – The YMCA faculty, Beach Patrol and Wicomico County Public Schools partnered up to teach 4th graders about water safety at the Richard A. Henson Family facility this morning. Aquatics Director Jennifer Seip understands the importance of teaching children how to swim and act properly in any body of water, man made or natural.

“Drowning is the number one cause of death in children 14 and under so that alone is the biggest reason to know at least how to be comfortable in the water.”

Seip says it’s all thanks to the help of donors all over the Eastern Shore.

“Everyone who donates to it believes that every kid here on the eastern shore should be safe around water, in and out of it, so that is why we do this.”

Seip says one of the best tips she can offer unskilled swimmers is to help a friend that’s in trouble without getting in the water. She says plant yourself on stable ground and tow them to shore with your hand or an object. If not possible, toss anything inflatable for them to float with.

“Practicing helps prepare kids and “conquer their fears, that’s the thing I love the most,” Seip said.

Earlier this month, a young adult drowned off the coast in Ocean City after being caught in a rip tide. Ocean City Beach Patrol took part in the lessons and says if you ever get caught in a rip tide you should relax, call for help and swim parallel to the current. Life Guard Harrison Duncan says you shouldn’t go in the water if there is no life guard.

“If you get in trouble, there’s nobody there to help for minutes, hours, however long,” Duncan said.

Nick Thompson is the Supervisor of Physical Education for Wicomico County Schools and a part-time surf and rescue technician in O.C. With over 1200 students learning these important lessons, he hopes it can keep more people safe by the water.

“I know from a personal experience that these conversations, even though are just educating kids right now, one day will save their lives possibly or their families lives,” Thompson said.