Registration is now open for a FREE Swim Lesson Event! Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands in collaboration with The Woodlands Family YMCA, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, and Montgomery County Hospital District created the S.P.L.A.S.H. program (Swim, Ply, Learn, and Stay Healthy) to educate parents and children on water safety as a way to prevent childhood drownings. On Saturday, May 22, children ages 3-12 years old can receive a free 30-minute swim lesson by YMCA Swim Instructors at the Branch Crossing YMCA Pool. Community Splash Partners will be on hand with giveways and activities promoting safety around the pool, CPR for kids, Life Jacket Wearing & Sizing, Water Watcher Tag, refreshments, and more. Registation opens at 12:00 noon on May 6. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER your child for a free lesson!
According to the National Safety Council, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 4 years old. Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water is one of the most important life skills parents can help their children learn. Most drownings occur due to children falling in a pool or being left alone in a bathtub.
According to the Department of Family and Protective Services, 80 children died as a result of drowning in 2020; 25 of these were from our region. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from a drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Texas and Florida tie with the highest number of childhood drownings in the country for children under the age of 15.
Drownings are preventable and affect all people regardless of background. Based on findings by the CDC, formal swim lessons can reduce drownings by 88%.
Free Swim Lessons SPLASH Day Event - Register Now!
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