YMCA welcomes Beautiful Baby celebration

HARDYSTON — The Sussex County YMCA hosted its fourth annual “Beautiful Baby” celebration, a free community event designed to introduce families with young children to water safety in a fun environment.

“Studies show that drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under age 14 in the United States,” said Jennifer Gardner, executive director of the Sussex County YMCA. “With summer approaching, and families finding themselves frequenting pools and other bodies of water, knowing basic skills like blowing bubbles, knowing how to back float, and how to do simple things like crawling out of the pool can truly save a child’s life."

Following the swim lesson, participants were invited to participate in Music and More, an interactive class that featured children’s music, dancing, movement and other types of mental and physical stimulation. All participants were given free passes to return to the Y to try a free Baby Bubbles swim class or Music and More.

Families with children between the ages of one and five can call the Sussex County YMCA to schedule a free trial parent and child swim lesson and Music and More class, with no membership required. The Sussex County YMCA wants to make these types of programs available to as many families as possible so that more children can reap the benefits and have a safer and more successful childhood.

For more information about swim lessons, Music and More classes, or additional programs offered by the Sussex County YMCA, please visit www.sussexcountyymca.org or contact the Welcome Center at 973-209-9622.