Water Safety Day at Kent YMCA attracts more than 200 people

More than 200 people attended the free Water Safety Day for families at the Kent YMCA

YMCA held the event in partnership with Seattle nonprofit organization No More Under.

“The mission of No More Under is basically water safety through education, legislation and advocacy and also really getting people access,” said Chezik Tsunoda, founder of No More Under. “So many people don’t have access to swim lessons or even understand that they need swim lessons. And so we really want to get out there and tell the community what is important and why it’s important.”

Everyone who attended – from infants to adults of all sizes – had the opportunity to be fitted with an appropriately sized, free lifejacket, thanks to a generous donation from the Washington State Boating Department.

Attendees had free access to the Kent YMCA pool, 10828 SE 248th St. More than 100 people got into the water to practice safe swim skills, according to the YMCA. On a typical Saturday community swim, there may be around 25 people.

Water Safety Day was created in 2024 with the passing of House Bill 1750 by the state Legislature, also known as Yori’s Law.

“It was really important to have Washington state to clear a water safety day,” Tsunoda said. “Having a day like this really puts the stake down in the ground to say, this is something we should all care about and can save lives.”

Water Safety Day is also part of a broader effort to help more kids access swim lessons by offering 50% off all Swim Basics Lessons registrations in May at YMCA of Greater Seattle locations, which includes sessions throughout summer. Register at seattleymca.org/watersafetysale.

“At the YMCA, we think it’s very important that everybody has access to free swim lessons if they need them, or discounted from lessons,” said Catherine Earley, YMCA Aquatics Program executive. “We don’t want price to be a barrier for anyone.”

In addition to the water safety activities, the Kent YMCA held a Summer Hiring Fair during the event, where job seekers could learn about opportunities to join the Y as a lifeguard or swim instructor. Candidates came from all over the region to interview on the spot for jobs, resulting in 25 offers for YMCA roles as lifeguards and swim instructors, according to the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

People learned water safety skills at the family friendly event. COURTESY PHOTO, YMCA of Greater Seattle

A lifeguard keeps watch during Water Safety Day at the Kent YMCA. COURTESY PHOTO, YMCA of Greater Seattle