To increase swim safety for local families, the YMCA, Water Country USA, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg collaborate.

Williamsburg, Virginia — Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg have partnered with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. All of this is an attempt to stop drownings in our community. The agreement will help programs like 2nd grade learn to swim, which offers free water safety instruction to second graders in 11 local school systems, according to YMCA of the Virginia Pennisulas leaders.

According to Elam, water safety education can be implemented anywhere and begins with easy actions at home. According to her, it’s critical that all kids understand how to ask their parents for permission and are constantly watched over. If it becomes necessary, basic toys like noodles can be utilized as rescue tools. Having a life jacket is crucial, particularly for those who are not proficient swimmers, Elam stated. According to Ferebee, the YMCA’s program will be supported by Water Country USA and Busch Gardens Williamsburg. “If it gets one person pay a little more attention to something and take one Idea that Elizabeth talked about, then we’ve served our purpose,” said Ferebee.

“This will have an impact on drowning prevention,” stated Skip Ferebee, Chief Strategy Officer for the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. According to Ferebee and Elizabeth Elam, the collaboration between Water Country USA and Busch Gardens will teach families and kids how to swim safely. “Learning to swim is essential. Learning basic safety techniques and self-rescue techniques is crucial,” Elam stated. The collaboration follows two distinct water crises that affected youngsters in the Chesapeake. In one instance, a 3-year-old boy who was discovered unconscious in a Foxgate Quarter pool lived. In the other, a 3-year-old girl who was discovered in medical difficulty passed away in Oak Grove Lake Park. Investigations are still ongoing in both incidents.