WATER SAFETY AND SWIMMING
WHY WATER SAFETY?
According to the CDC, drowning is the second leading cause of death of children from ages 1-14. Racial and ethnic group disparities for drowning are highest amongst African Americans. Despite nationwide programs to decrease drowning rates amongst African Americans, a data survey done by the YMCA concluded that many African American and Latino parents know the importance of having basic swim skills but expressed the cost of obtaining swim lessons as their greatest hindrance. Learning water safety and how to swim is necessary to decrease drowning rates and should be considered a life skill obtained by all. Our programs also provide skills needed to for the pursuit of careers for those interested in aquatics.
WHY SWIMMING?
As the state of mental health in America continues to worsen, even prior to the global pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of youth living with major depression. Water therapy is a topic that is continuing to be of interest as it pertains to health living. It has been noted that swimming, not only has physical benefits, such as helping people with chronic diseases like arthritis, but also helps maintain a healthy mental state. Endorphins are released promoting positive feelings, circulation is improved promoting brain health, and the body is relaxed reducing stress.
Like any medical condition, to prevent worsening of the condition, a mental health movement must deploy strategies of early intervention. Sea Scope Inc promotes mental health awareness and offers financial assistance for beginner swimming and water safety classes, in addition to its aquatics classes for participants of its Surface to Seas Program.