SPLASHing for Safety

            The Salina YMCA has teamed up with the local public schools to provide a time for kids to get out of the classroom and learn about water safety.

            For fifteen years, the YMCA has been providing this free second grade program to the local elementaries, and this year is bigger than ever! The SPLASH program teaches the youngsters basic swimming skills, water safety, and even discusses character development at this crucial time of learning in the children’s lives.

            Don’t have a child in the second grade? Become a swim instructor and make a difference in a child’s life today! YMCA aquatics director, Connie Bachofer, is in need of those willing to become a SPLASH instructor, and take part in what could be a life-saving experience for these children.

            The SPLASH instructor will be well-trained and given a lesson plan to assist with their teachings. One of the main goals is to teach water safety and life-saving skills and knowledge. There are also special topics such as: rescue, rescue breathing, and how the children can save themselves. The instructors will also integrate one of the four Character Development traits—caring, responsibility, honesty, and respect—into each day of the program.

             Although there are general guidelines in the lesson plans, SPLASH instructors are encouraged to modify according to the experience of the children, and to put their own special touch into the explanations. The key idea is for the children to have fun and learn safety at the same time.