The YMCA of Long Island has partnered with Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities, Inc. to launch the inaugural Water Wise Water Safety Kids Art Contest to help make children more aware of the importance of water safety. Children age 12 and under are encouraged to use this unique opportunity to express their artistic interpretations of water safety and share their own tips for peers.
Both organizations strive to educate and engage local communities about the importance of being a responsible swimmer, and this joint venture is the latest initiative aimed at keeping Long Islanders safe this summer.
“We are thrilled to partner with Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities to invite Long Island children to reflect on the serious importance of water safety while expressing their artistic abilities in fun ways,” says Anne Brigis, president and CEO of the YMCA of Long Island.
“Participating in this art contest will help bring much-needed awareness to children and adults regarding water safety this summer. Promoting water safety is a top priority at the Y all year, and it goes beyond teaching swim techniques. Our aquatic directors at all of our branches teach skills to help swimmers of all levels develop a sense of comfort and security in and around the water.”
The contest is open to all Long Island children younger than 12. Families can pick up an entry form any time before May 22 at the YMCA of LI or at the customer service desks of Stew Leonard’s stores in Farmingdale and in East Meadow. Entry forms could also be or download online.
A jury of representatives from the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities & YMCA of LI will select one drawing that best represents how children can stay safe around the water. The winner will receive a $50 Gift Card to Stew Leonard’s Food Store and will be recognized at a special event at Stew Leonard’s in East Meadow on Thursday, May 24 at 11 a.m. Additional prizes will be available for the selected winner.
“May is Water Safety Awareness month and we use this time of year to remind parents that drowning is preventable. And yet, drowning is still the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children,” says Kim Leonard, co-founder of Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities. “Our family hopes that our foundation’s message will make this a safe and enjoyable summer for all.”
For official contest rules and entry instructions, visit ymcali.org/watersafetycontest.
www.stewietheduck.org.
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