Muskegon YMCA’s Safety Around Water Program Reaches Over 1,000 Students in Muskegon County
MUSKEGON, MICH., May 6, 2025 —May is National Water Safety Month, and the Muskegon YMCA is highlighting its commitment to drowning prevention through its Safety Around Water (SAW) program—an initiative that reaches over 1,000 third-grade students across Muskegon County each year.
The program brings students to local pools for hands-on instruction in water safety and basic swim skills. Alongside pool sessions, students complete a classroom-based curriculum that reinforces lessons on real-life safety scenarios. Instruction includes core topics such as Never Swim Alone, Reach, Throw, Don’t Go, and safety around Michigan’s natural water features like rip currents, ice, and boating hazards.
Designed to meet the needs of schools and students across Muskegon County, the program is intentionally adaptable and inclusive. Program directors coordinate closely with school staff to align with class and pool schedules. Specialized support is also provided to accommodate students with disabilities.
Beth, a SAW instructor, meets with special needs students in their classrooms prior to their pool sessions to help them feel prepared—bringing life jackets and visual aids to introduce the equipment and experience in a familiar setting.
“I go above and beyond because I believe every child deserves to be taught water safety skills,” said Beth. “If a child remembers one life saving skill I have taught that saves his or her life, then my extra time was well spent.”
The program’s impact is evident in student growth and feedback from school partners.
“This is my second year witnessing the swim program, and I have been so amazed at the confidence and comfort these kids have grown in five short weeks with water,” said Emily Hildebrant, a third-grade teacher at Reeths-Puffer. “I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve heard multiple kids yell, ‘I conquered my fears!’ as they jumped off the diving board or swam in the deep end for the first time in their lives.”
Water safety remains a year-round priority at the Muskegon YMCA, but May provides an opportunity to amplify messaging, celebrate program impact, and engage the community in simple, life-saving habits.
Learn more or get involved:
- Visit muskegonymca.org/safety-around-water
- Follow the Y on Facebook for updates and tips: facebook.com/muskegonymca
- Donate to support the program: muskegonymca.org/give
- Explore how to become a Safety Around Water instructor: muskegonymca.org/get-involved
About the Muskegon YMCA The Muskegon YMCA has been committed to building a healthier future for the community for over 100 years. The Muskegon Y is focused on empowering cancer survivors, fighting food insecurity, and ensuring safe environments for children to grow and thrive. During the pandemic, the Muskegon Y offered resources to the community by extending their food service program, structuring healthy out of school time for children, and offering virtual gym memberships. Visit muskegonymca.org for more information.
###