Kosciusko Community YMCA will be starting three sessions of summer classes on June 3. Summer 1 will be June 3 to June 29, Summer 2 will be July 8 to Aug. 3 and Summer 3 will be Aug. 5-24.

Classes in Youth Development will include swim lessons and gymnastics classes for all ages. Classes that promote the Healthy Living aspect of your Y will include group exercise and Indoor Group Cycling classes, classes for older adults and water aerobics in both the Warm Water and Lap Pools.  All of these healthy living classes are now included with a Y membership.

Registration for these classes starts May 13 for Y members and May 20 for everyone and can take place at the North Webster or the Smith Street branch or online at www.kcymca.org.

This May, the Y is recognizing National Water Safety Month to raise awareness of safety around and in the water. As part of its commitment to strengthening community through youth development and healthy living, the Y offers a variety of swim programs that teach water safety skills and give children and adults the chance to explore the many health benefits of swimming.

The Kosciusko Community YMCA encourages parents to sign their kids up for swimming lessons this summer. In a county of over 100 lakes, knowing how to swim is important. “Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it has many health benefits,” says Steven Kuhn, Aquatics Director. “The Y is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices. We encourage kids and adults to take swim lessons – it’s never too late to learn.”  Classes start June 3, registration is going on for everyone starting May 20.

The Y encourages kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority. The Y recommends the following safety tips for children and adults:

• Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
• Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.
• Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities.

In addition to learning lifesaving swimming skills, in Y swim lessons kids will meet new friends, develop confidence and a positive mental attitude and get a chance to be physically active.