YMCA Splash Week returns with swim safety lessons

Annual initiative teaches water safety skills before summer pool season

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:53pm

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The YMCA in Rochester, New York is hosting its annual Splash Week program, offering swim lessons and water safety training for individuals and children with little or no prior swimming experience. The program runs from March 29 to April 2, with the goal of building confidence and preventing accidental drownings before local pools open for the summer.

Why it matters

Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, especially among young children. Programs like YMCA Splash Week aim to address this issue by providing essential water safety education and skills to the community before the busy summer swim season begins.

The details

During Splash Week, YMCA instructors teach participants techniques like reaching out or throwing objects to help someone who has fallen into the water, rather than attempting a risky rescue themselves. The free lessons are open to registered YMCA members ages 3 and up, and take place from 10 a.m. to noon each day through April 2.

  • Splash Week runs from March 29 to April 2, 2026.
  • Lessons take place daily from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The players

Matthew Buri

Aquatic director at Northwest Family YMCA.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of these skills are specifically used for that exact scenario where a kid doesn't necessarily mean to go into water, but they find themselves in it. So we teach them things like if a friend falls into the water, reach out with something, or you throw something to them to float on, instead of trying to go in and rescue them themselves.”

— Matthew Buri, Aquatic director

What’s next

Local pools in the Rochester area are scheduled to open for the summer season in early May.

The takeaway

Providing free, accessible water safety education through programs like YMCA Splash Week is a crucial step in preventing drowning incidents and building confidence among both children and adults who may have limited swimming experience.