The goal of our Water Acclimation levels is to create a positive and fun relationship with the water. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll begin to learn the basics for floating, rolling over, and other survival skills. These are building blocks for safety and stroke development.
Taking year-long swim lessons is one of the best ways to help children develop a healthy respect for the water, especially for those who may have already worked through a fear of water.
Maintaining consistency in swim lessons ensures that they don’t have to reacquaint themselves with water the following summer and boosts comfort and confidence around water-filled environments all year.
Help your kids become confident and competent in the water.
Just in time for swim season: British Swim School of Savannah – which offers a variety of swim lessons for all ages and skill levels – opens March 12 2024.
British Swim School is a premier survival and stroke development swimming lessons provider that offers a unique approach to teaching swimming skills to individuals of all ages and abilities.
The focus is on water safety and survival skills alongside swimming techniques, using a gentle and fun teaching method.
British Swim School instructors are trained to work with students at their own pace, emphasizing small class sizes and individualized attention. British Swim School aims to build confidence and competence in the water, promoting a lifelong love of swimming.
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches: Effingham YMCA Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA Habersham YMCA Islands YMCA Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA Richmond Hill YMCA Tybee Island YMCA West Chatham YMCA
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Summer Camps 2023 @ YMCA Coastal Georgia branches
Still time to sign up for summer day camp @ YMCA Coastal Georgia branches, which provides the opportunity for children to regain a sense of normalcy as well as support their physical, social and emotional well-being.
At Y camp, children have the opportunity to make their summer active and fun through crafts, sports, indoor and outdoor games, new friends, and other fun ways to learn, grow and thrive.
YMCA locations across Coastal Georgia are offering summer day camp including @ these Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches: Effingham YMCA Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA Habersham YMCA Islands YMCA Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA Richmond Hill YMCA Tybee Island YMCA West Chatham YMCA
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YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
School’s out, and with the warm, sunny days ahead, boat rides and trips to the beach or pool are likely in your future! As you plan for your family’s summer fun, it’s important to keep water safety in mind.
As the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 years old and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14, drowning accidents affect nearly 1,000 children per year, mostly between the months of May and August. So this summer, stay prepared with the below water safety tips!
Start Swim Lessons Early
Swimming is a life-saving skill that we need to teach our children and it is never too early to start. Children can start ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) swim lessons as early as six months old to learn how to float on their backs. Standard classes usually start at 18 months and teach small children how to swim to a pool ledge or short distances. Older children should learn different swim strokes to equip them for situations like fighting currents.
We do not recommend using swim floaties to teach children to swim properly. Floaties hold a child upright, encouraging them to bob up and down instead of swimming horizontally. However, families with multiple children or children that have no fear may need to use swim floaties for certain children. If your child wears swim floaties, make sure they do not take them off the entire time you are in the gated area of the pool and continue to keep them within arm’s reach.
Never Swim Alone
When kids are around water, make sure they are never left alone, including during bath time. Adults should know how to swim themselves and should never be less than an arm’s length away from kids who are not strong swimmers. For older children, make sure they always have a swimming partner. If your child is attending a camp with a pool, ensure the area is fenced and that life jackets will be provided for open water activities. While lifeguards on duty are a wonderful resource, do not rely on lifeguards alone to watch your children.
Know the Signs of Drowning & How to React
It is smart for all parents and kids to know what to do in emergency situations. Teach your children that if another child pulls them under water, even if that child cannot swim, they need to
kick that child off of them and yell for help from an adult. Limit distractions while watching your child swim because drowning is silent as opposed to what you see in the movies where kids make noise and flail their arms. Most start with their head bobbing above water, but their mouth and nose are underwater. We recommend that all parents take a CPR course in the event of an emergency, and we offer 30-minute one-on-one instruction in our office for anyone who is interested. Call 912-598-6312 for more information!
Pool Tips
If you have children or grandchildren that are not strong swimmers, it is incredibly important to install a fence around all four sides of your backyard pool. If one side of the fence is open to the house, it is just as dangerous as not having a fence. The fence should be at least four-feet high and non-climbable with a self-closing, self-locking gate. Until you can install a fence, we recommend installing locks at the top of the door and utilizing door alarms so that children cannot access the pool. When hosting families with children that are not strong swimmers, the pool should be fully enclosed, locked, and/or monitored even if children are not ‘supposed’ to be swimming. If hosting a pool party, consider hiring a lifeguard or designating “Water Watchers” to watch the pool for 15-minute increments, and avoid using large floats in the pool to improve visibility.
Open Water Tips
Open water is unpredictable and susceptible to several dangers like currents, rip tides, limited visibility, depth, and uneven surfaces. If your backyard leads to open water, consider fencing off access. Children should have Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all boat rides and recreational activities on the water. Teach children best practices, like only swimming in designated areas, always entering feet first, and avoiding cold water that can cause shock.
Here’s a chance for your child to have a Savannah swim team experience in a laid-back summer atmosphere.
The Mayfair Marlins summer swim team in Savannah is open to ages 4-18. No swim team experience necessary. First practice is May 23 2022 @ Chatham County Aquatic Center. Practices eventually move to Mayfair neighborhood pool. Pool membership is NOT required to join the team.
Summer swim teams have meets with other members of the Savannah Coastal Summer League (such as Isle of Hope; Wilmington Park; Savannah Golf Club; Savannah Quarters; Savannah Yacht Club.
• No swim team experience necessary (Ages 4-18) • Morning/Evening practices • One meet per week (June) | Final Meets June 29-30 • For those unable to swim 25 yards – our team offers pre-swimmer clinics ($75) Saturdays in June • All swimmers receive a t-shirt, latex cap, and award • Team suits are available for purchase/pre-order • Member of the Savannah Coastal Summer League
Healthy Kids Day at all of YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches takes place on Sat. May 7 2022. This event is free & open to the public.
YMCA branch pools open that weekend for the summer season.
In conjunction with Healthy Kids Day, YMCA of Coastal Georgia is partnering with Totes to Tots for a backpack/suitcase drive at all the Chatham County branches (Habersham, West Chatham, Tybee, Islands) plus the Richmond Hill and Effingham branches. Totes to tots collects age-appropriate backpacks and small luggage for children in foster care so that they don’t have to carry their things in plastic shopping or garbage bags, as they unfortunately often have to do.
There will be a collection site at each of the above branches from April through Healthy Kids Day. The Totes to Tots team will be at the Habersham branch for May 7’s Healthy Kids Day celebration with a tent and larger-scale collection site set up. All donations will stay in the area and go to local children in need.
Contact your local branch for information on what other activities are planned for Healthy Kids Day!
Donate gently used and new (child-size) suitcases, duffels and backpacks at the Habersham, Islands, Tybee, West Chatham and Effingham branches between now and May 7 for Chatham County foster children, in partnership with Totes to Tots. No child should have to carry their things in plastic shopping or garbage bags, as they unfortunately often have to do. There will be a collection site at each of the above branches from April through Healthy Kids Day, and the Totes to Tots team will be at the Habersham branch for May 7’s Healthy Kids Day celebration with a tent and larger-scale collection site set up. All donations will be staying in the area and going to local children in need.
Summer Day Camp registration is still open. Themes and activities are different across the association, so check out the camp guide to find the right programs for your child.
EGYM is coming to the Effingham Y! The Habersham branch’s popular EGYM smart strength system is coming to the Effingham Y. Register to on-board now to start using this intelligence-based, user-friendly and fun system.
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YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Call your local branch to learn what’s offered there and when.
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is hiring lifeguards at branches locations with pools. Free lifeguard certification classes offered with a commitment from the applicant to work through the summer. Those interested should ask the staff at their preferred branch for information on applying and getting certified.
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
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YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
During the month of September 2021, when members refer a friend to join the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, the friend can join with no joiner’s fee, and the member will receive a gift card pre-loaded with $50 in Y Cash good for any Y programming, beginning in October (like personal training, child care, etc.).
You can even apply it to your membership fee. Bring your buddy to the Y in September and you’ll both save.
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Yes summer swim team competitions are happening in the Savannah area for Summer 2021.
Sign up your little swimmer for a summer swim league. Savannah Coastal Swim League (SCSL) offers competitive youth swimming in Savannah/Chatham County, Wilmington Island and Pooler during early summer.
Get the recipe and try the Y at this free, outdoor, safely distanced community event on Sat. May 1. All YMCA of Coastal Georgia locations will host activities including healthy snacks, seasonal pools openings, fitness demos, summer day camp information and you can join the Y with NO JOINER’S FEE!
All lessons (Private, Semi-Private and Group) focus on stroke development, personal safety, water sports, games, and rescue. The program is unique in the Y’s child centered learning approach with an emphasis on building self-esteem, both in and out of the water.
YMCA lessons are designed to nurture the whole person– spirit, mind, and body.
Classes offered for children as young as 6 months old, to build confidence and gain comfort in and around water.
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
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YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Sign up your little swimmer for a summer swim league for Summer 2019.
Savannah Coastal Swim League (SCSL) offers competitive youth swimming in Savannah/Chatham County, Wilmington Island and Pooler during early summer.
The league consists of eight teams, encompassing more than 800 swimmers, including: Grand Lake Sharks, Isle of Hope Sharks, Landings Lightning Bolts, Mayfair Marlins, Savannah Golf Club Stingrays, Savannah Quarters Sailfish, Savannah Yacht Club Commodores and Wilmington Park Barracudas.
Some of the teams do not require club membership to participate.
Swimmers of all levels are welcome.
The league includes regular practices as well as meets during which various teams compete against each other in late May, June & early July. The 2019 Meet Schedule is posted here.
For more information including a League Contact Directory, click here.
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is hosting open houses at all locations the first Saturday of each month this fall (October through December). Come visit, explore Y programs and see why their members love being at the Y.
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
You and your family can take advantage of ALL of the pools and splash pads at our YMCA of Coastal Georgia locations, all summer long. Summer Pool Pass holders will also gain access to all ten YMCA of Coastal Georgia locations- including the group exercise class, fitness centers, and child watch while you work out or take a dip in the pool.
This program is perfect for anyone looking to make a splash and enjoy their summer in the sun.
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Nine YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:
Effingham YMCA
Golden Isles & McIntosh YMCA
Habersham YMCA
Islands YMCA
Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA
Richmond Hill YMCA
Tybee Island YMCA
West Chatham YMCA
YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
When you join the Y, you’re committing to more than simply becoming healthier. You are supporting the values & programs that strengthen your community.
At the Y, children learn what they can achieve, families spend quality time together & build relationships that deepen our sense of belonging.
With programs and activities for the whole family, the Y is the perfect place for your family to learn, grow & thrive.
Join today here – the Y is waiving the joiner’s fee for the month of January 2018!
Sign up your little swimmer for a summer swim league.
Savannah Coastal Swim League (SCSL) offers competitive youth swimming in Savannah/Chatham County, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island and Pooler during early summer.
The league consists of 10 teams, encompassing more than 800 swimmers, including: Grand Lake Sharks, Isle of Hope Sharks, JEA Tornadoes, Landings Lightning Bolts, Mayfair Marlins, Richmond Hill Wildcats, Savannah Golf Club Stingrays, Savannah Quarters Sailfish, Savannah Yacht Club Commodores and Wilmington Park Barracudas.
Some of the teams (such as JEA Tornados & Savannah Quarters Sailfish) do not require club membership to participate.
Swimmers of all levels are welcome.
The league includes regular practices as well as meets during which various teams compete against each other in June and early July. The 2016 Meet Schedule will soon be posted here
For more information including a League Contact Directory, click here.
Chances are this unseasonably warm weather in early February has you yearning for beach and pool time. What better time to get the kids ready for swim season.
Starfish Swim Lessons in Savannah are offered at Chatham Aquatic Center, Savannah, 7240 Sallie Mood Drive
Savannah, 31406-3991
(912) 652-6793
Each session consists of 8 lessons.
Click here for the February 2016 schedule.
StarBabies (Ages 6 months – 36 months)
The purpose of this course is to build off of the skills and love of the water learned in StarBabies. The course does not teach children to be accomplished swimmers; it does prepare young children for the SeaSprites level of the Starfish Swim School. One parent or trusted caregiver must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers are required.
SeaSprites (Ages 3-5)
Designed to meet the needs of pre-schoolers, this class will develop a high comfort in the water, a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, teach beginning swim skills. Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level patches for each achievement. Approaches teaching skills through creative, fun activities.
SeaStars (Ages 6-8)
Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level patches for each achievement. The color levels are used to divide students into broad ability groups. Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn the core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes. Learning is self-paced but challenging.
SwimStars (Ages 9 & Older)
Students are divided by age group (Ages 9 – 14, Adults) Classes are taught along the same philosophy as SeaStars.
StrokeStars (Any age that meets skill prerequisite)
Swimmers refine freestyle and learn stroke technique for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and more!
AngelFish
The AngelFish program is designed to meet the needs of your special needs child. These classes are taught along the same philosophy as the Starfish Swim School. The classes will provide necessary teaching adaptations and or adaptive equipment that may be required to make your child as independent and successful in the water as possible. Private lessons are available for children and adults of all ages.
Chances are this unseasonably warm weather in early February has you yearning for beach and pool time. What better time to get the kids ready for swim season.