The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is working to reduce the number of child drownings.
The organization notes that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death among children ages one to four.
"Last year, we had nine kids under the age of 18 drown in our Fort Worth service area, said Leah LeMaire, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s association director of aquatics.
So the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth will be offering free swim lessons at 40 area apartment complexes.
"We go to low-income neighborhoods and apartment complexes, and we give free swim lessons," said LeMaire. "Teaching them getting in the water and how to blow bubbles, how to exit the pool safely if they fall in, and then looking for lifeguards on duty and things like that to be safe around water."
The YMCA will also be offering helpful lessons for adults on how to properly supervise their kids at the pool.
"Making sure that they are being good water watchers, knowing how to lifeguard their child, and then also teach their children to their younger siblings how to be water watchers."
Some of the most important rules for supervision include staying off cell phones and keeping kids within arm's length at all times.
They'll also meet with apartment staff to go over important maintenance items, such as fences and gates.
"That's one of the downfalls that many apartments do have when it comes to drowning," said LeMaire. "So making sure that the community is involved, the management team is involved, and everybody on property."
Under state law, if an apartment pool gate is not properly working, the pool area must be closed until it's fixed.
"It must be spring-loaded so that it cannot be left unattended," LeMaire said. "It can't be left open."
The first 20 lessons are being held now through June 22nd, and the second 20 will take place June 26 to July 28.
In addition, the YMCA is partnering with the Fort Worth Drowning Coalition to provide two-week swim lesson sessions for $10 throughout the summer at McDonald YMCA, Camp Carter YMCA and Ryan YMCA.
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