YMCA offers free water safety seminars

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - In light of recent drownings in the Ocean State, the YMCA is offering free safety seminars to children.

Last week, the body of 32-year-old Marie Joseph of Fall River was found in a swimming pool two days after she died. In the same week, a local Warwick teen also drowned. The YMCA is doing their part to prevent future tragedies like these.

"In the Ocean State, everyone is near water or around water this summer, so we just want to make sure everyone, families, kids, everyone, is safe," said Mike Norklun from the Greater Providence YMCA 1323.

All seven of the full service branches of the Greater Providence YMCA will offer free community water safety seminars. Each seminar will last about an hour teaching young swimmers basic water safety tips like using the buddy system and being aware of lifeguards locations at all times. Parents will also be able to learn how to swim, allowing them to have fun and be safe at the same time. 

"Keep your children within eyesight and within arms length in the water. There are certain parameters as far as how deep children should go. Talk to the staff, " Norklun said.

The schedule for water safety classes can be found on the YMCA's website.