YMCA Southcoast Offers Water Safety Programs

Water safety programs are so important, especially when you live in a community surrounded by water.

That's why YMCA Southcoast is offering an eight-week "Safety Around Water" program at its locations with a pool in New Bedford, Fall River and Wareham.

Tara Pacheco, the Executive Director at YMCA Southcoast in New Bedford, spoke with us about the program on this week's Townsquare Sunday.

She said the Safety Around Water program is more than just swimming lessons.

"We are trying to get them to think more about safety than how fast you can get to the other end of the pool, or how many laps they can swim," she said. "We want them to know that when they fall into a body of water unexpectedly, or they step off the deep end, what they can do to keep themselves safe. It's preparing them for things they don't think will happen."

Pacheco said the program continues throughout the year, and is open to both adults and children. You can learn more or register at ymcasouthcoast.org or call any of the YMCA locations in our area.

There is a fee for the program, but Pacheco said there is financial help available for those who need it.

"Anyone who looks at the fee and says that's not doable, we want them to come down anyway because we have financial assistance available," she said. "That's how passionate we are about this program."

YMCA Southcoast is also concerned about food security. It has teamed with the Boston Food Bank to give food to families once a month at a drive-thru food bank at its New Bedford site.

The YMCA is holding a fundraiser for their Full Place Project on Sept. 10 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, featuring famed illusionist Lyn Dillies. Visit the website for more information.

The Townsquare Sunday interview with Tara Pacheco can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday at 6 and 11 a.m. on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations hoping to make Greater New Bedford and better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, plead e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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