The YMCA of Greater Nashua observed World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday, July 25, by bringing the community together for free swim lessons, water safety education and to raise funds that help the YMCA provide life-changing programs and services throughout our community - including initiatives that help children and families gain confidence and safety around water.
Recognized annually, World Drowning Prevention Day calls attention to drowning as a preventable public health issue. This year’s theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” encouraged communities to work together through swim instruction, water safety education, active supervision and emergency preparedness. More than 300,000 young people die from drowning each year worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of death among children ages 5 to 14.
"At the YMCA of Greater Nashua, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn lifesaving water safety skills," said Nae Theberge, Aquatics Director at the YMCA. "World Drowning Prevention Day is an opportunity to remind families that learning to swim is so much more than just a recreational activity. Swimming is an essential life skill that builds confidence and prevents tragedy."
As part of the day's activities, the Y’s Merrimack branch hosted free swim lessons where participants learned critical water safety skills including safe water entry and exit, self-rescue techniques, swimming to safety, and other foundational practices designed to help prevent drowning.
Additionally, Wesley’s Way Foundation joined the YMCA at the event to help promote the importance of water safety. Founded in memory of Wesley Belisle, the nonprofit provides charitable and educational support in southern New Hampshire and the Outer Banks, with a focus on ocean-safety awareness, literacy and education, community improvement, and assistance for children and families in need. “We’re a small nonprofit that started in memory of my son, Wesley Belisle, who passed away in 2018 after an accident at the beach,” said Derek Belisle, Wesley’s father and president of Wesley’s Way Foundation. Belisle also presented the YMCA with a $3,000 donation to help provide swim lessons for children who might not otherwise have access.
The day concluded with the Y’s inaugural “For the Love of the Y Duck Race”, a community fundraiser supporting YMCA programs that strengthen children and families throughout Greater Nashua. For this event, community members could adopt a duck for a $10 donation – and each adopted duck then raced across the Merrimack YMCA pool with the top 3 finishers receiving prizes.
If you would like to help the Y create more opportunities that give every child the chance to feel safe and successful around water, visit our website at https://nmymcagive26.funraise.org/. Together, we can ensure more children have access to experiences that build confidence, strengthen skills, and create brighter futures.
