YMCA AUGUST 2013 Newsletter

Swimming pools are fun and relaxing, especially on hot days. They can be soothing to mind, body and spirit. Whether you are just learning how to swim, taking a break from the heat, participating in exercise classes or somewhere in between aquatic safety must be your first consideration. Swimming pools bring feelings of youth and freedom back to those of us who are no longer enjoying their childhood due to the responsibilities of adulthood. But for just a minute, close your eyes and think about when you were a child and how much you just wanted to escape and hit that swimming pool. Whether it was a kiddie pool in the yard, the neighbors 14 foot above ground pool, the river, the lake, your local Y or any other body of water. Chances are you just went for the water with no regard for the consequences just like most children do. Well you survived, and most of us did but unfortunately so many have not. Now lets put the adult hat back on and go over some very alarming, and unfortunately very serious realities and statistics regarding the safety of those participating in aquatic activities. The National Safety Council reports: There are over 7,000 drowning deaths nationally each year. Drowning accidents are the leading cause of death and injury of children under 5 years of age. Drowning is the second leading cause of injuryrelated death among children under the age of 15. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) More than 80% of the drownings occur in residential pools or spas. Most of those incidents occur in backyard pools and studies have shown that usually an adult was nearby, but not watching the child when they fell in the pool. One of the first steps to help prevent this problem is to be aware of it. Next is education, both for ourselves and our children.

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Test-Mark-Protect Program Introduced During Water Safety Month

This includes everything from using the buddy system, avoiding hazardous water situations and inflatable water toys, dumping your backyard pool water when not in use to avoid the possibility of accidents, knowing your childs swimming ability and swimming lessons. Starting Monday August 19, 2013 the Butte Family Y will take a proactive step to educating and protecting our children with Aquatic Safety Month. We are doing this with a Test-Mark-Protect program. What this means is we will test every childs ability to swim, mark them with their appropriate level wrist band (green, yellow or red), and protect them by limiting them to water depths and parental supervision best suited for their ability. To kick this off, we are offering a free week of swimming for every child under 8 if they come in and get tested during open swim times during the week.

Y SUCCESS STORY!
Lew Yong Gerbrandt began swimming at the age of 6. She took swimming lessons at the Y and joined the Butte Tarpons at age 8. She began competing at age 9 and went to State when she was 10. She qualified for Zone at age 11, and went to Junior Nationals when she was 15. By age 16, she went to Nationals and placed 11th in the 100-fly. She started searching for a top 25 school for her college education. She decided on Purdue after connecting well with their coach and being impressed that he focused more on character than performance. She is about to begin her second year there, and said it has been a big challenge to adapt having come from a small town. She is up to the challenge and continues with a positive attitude. Swimming is a tough sport. You have to be mentally prepared and believe in yourself, says Lew Yong. Everyone at the Y and the Butte community wish Lew Yong a fabulous year at Purdue!

August Calendar
Through Aug 30 FREE Fitness Classesbring your friends! Details at the welcome center. Aug 18 Fall Soccer Registration ENDS Aug 24 Y5 Triathlon Summer Day Camp Themes: Aug 19-23 Community Volunteer Week Aug 26-30 Finale Week Aug 26 Fall Soccer Begins

YMCA TRIATHLON, AUGUST 24!

Get ready for the annual Y5, Saturday, August 24th.

500 YARD SWIM 5 MILE BIKE RIDE 5 K RUN

New this year is our first YMCA Triathlon for Kids on the same day! Ages 5-17, 125 yard Swim, 2.75 Mile Bike, 1 Mile Run (Life Jackets or swimming belts allowed. Bike Helmet Required.)

FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION

Got an hour? Lend your Y a hand!

Ages 3 through Adult

Instead of working OUT in your Y Come work IN your Y!

Registration for Fall Soccer NOW THROUGH Aug 18. Program runs August 26October 11.

ONE ON ONE!
Did you know we offer private lessons? We also have SemiPrivate lessons for two or three children together. Please check with our Welcome Center for pricing information.

Please register your child on time to allow equal participation for every child in the program!

Thursday, Sept 5th starting at 7pm through Sunday, Sept 8th the YMCA will CLOSE for maintenance! WHEN CAN YOU HELP? Friday, Sept 6, 1:00-8:00pm Sat, Sept 7, 8:00am-8:00pm Sun, Sept 8, 8:00am-8:00pm Deep Cleaning throughout the building Painting & Organizing Building Shelves & Hanging Curtains Weeding & Outdoor Maintenance WATER & SNACKS FOR ALL!

Share the warmth by helping us reach our goal of $20,000 to bring a mens sauna and a womens sauna to our members. Contact our Welcome Center today to make a donation.

YMCA Summer Day Camp Now Through Aug 30 Ages 5-12

GET IN ON THE FINAL MONTH FOR YOUR CHILD TO DISCOVER FUN!

We have a Field Trip every week that will keep your child moving & learning!

Oh Christmas Tree! If anyone has an artificial tree in good condition that you would like to donate to the Y, we would greatly appreciate it.
Butte Family YMCA 2975 Washoe St. 782-1266

Field trip to the fire station!