The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

YMCA offers ‘Safety Around Water’ Program

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The Florida Blue Foundation, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, and YMCA of the Suncoast joined forces to offer no-cost swim lessons to thousands of Tampa Bay area children, ages 3 through 12. Children were taught basic swimming skills and they practiced safety habits. The goal was to provide these lessons to 5,500 kids at more than 30 YMCA locations around Tampa Bay. The free four-day program will be offered again by the YMCA, May 28 through May 31 and Aug. 5 through Aug. 8.

New Tampa Family YMCA certified swim instructor Teddy Sandoval, left, and 6-year-old student Haya Autabachy, of New Tampa, warm up before Day 2 of water safety class. The children learned what to do if they see someone in the water that needs help. (Christine Holtzman)
Ten-year-old Ameer Autabachy, of New Tampa, right, utilizes a floating dumbbell, while swim instructor, Katherine Murashkina, looks on. This was Day 2 of the no-cost swim program taught during spring break at the New Tampa Family YMCA, 16221 Compton Drive in Tampa.
After completing an underwater activity, 5 1/2-year old Joshua Cheng, of New Tampa, clings to the pool wall. The youngster, who has taken lessons before, was attending the four-day session to brush up on his water safety skills.
Swim instructor Teddy Sandoval, left, assists 5-year-old Rylie McLaughlin, of New Tampa, as she gains confidence while doing a back float. This maneuver is part of the ‘swim-float-swim’ skill set taught during this program. The children learn two skill sets to use if they unexpectedly find themselves in water.

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