North River YMCA

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, celebrates the emancipation of those who were enslaved—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. To celebrate, the Y invites you to learn more about this day of freedom!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and dad figures in our Y family! Thank you for all you do to keep our families and our community healthy and strong! Did you know that Father’s Day started at the Y? Over 110 years ago, a young woman raised by her single father wanted to celebrate fatherhood. The first Father’s Day celebration was held at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910

Vote for Health Living: Vote for the Y in BEST OF THE BEST! There are only a few days left. Voting closes June 19! Follow the link to vote for us in each category: https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/vote-best-best-2024

Over 30 million children participate in the National School Lunch program during the school year. Out of these children, only 3 in 10 eligible kids have access to free, healthy meals and snacks over summer break. The Y is working to fill that gap so that all children can reach their full potential. Visit https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/community/youth-food-programs to learn more.

There are currently 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. Despite the challenges of short-term and long-term effects of treatment, cancer survivors are resilient. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga celebrates survivors during National Cancer Survivor Month, and encourages individuals touched by cancer to learn more about how we support recovery through our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA. Visit https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/healthy-living/livestrong today.

It’s Founders’ Day! On this date in 1844, George Williams and 11 other young men held a meeting in London that would lead to the founding of the YMCA. For 180 years, the Y has worked to strengthen communities –creating the first group swim classes, spearheading the first English as a Second Language (ESL) class and addressing chronic disease through programs like the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

To our region's teachers and staff: you are an important part of our community, and we welcome you and your family at the Y! Throughout June, we are celebrating educators. Check out all of the details: https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/teacher-appreciation-y

Parents, enjoy a night out while we take care of the kids! 🌙 Don't forget to register at the front desk by Thursday to secure your spot for Parents' Night Out. See you there!
See more details here: https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/childcare-and-camps/parents-night-out

Hurry, spots are filling up fast for our Summer Day Camp! Don't miss out on a summer filled with fun, friends and unforgettable memories. 🌞 Register now to secure your spot and make this summer one to remember!
https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/summer-camps

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

In memory of many, in honor of all. On this Memorial Day, we express our gratitude and say thank you.

We can support the mental health of our community through the empathy, compassion and kindness we display in our interactions with each other. When you notice someone struggling, reach out and connect them to mental health resources like the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org).

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Our pools will be closed on May 19 for a city-wide training. Y Not Tri will continue as scheduled. Thank you for your understanding.

🏀⚽️🏐 Don't miss out on the chance to register for our Summer Youth Sports program! From basketball to volleyball and soccer, we have something for every young athlete. Register now until May 28 to secure your spot!

https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/sports-family/youth-sports

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Everyone can play a role in supporting mental health. Use your powers of observation to notice when someone may be struggling with a hard day, moment or situation. Intentionally asking, “how are you?” and encouraging honest answers, provides the opportunity for others to share and feel heard.

We served 310 children in our community during Safety Around Water Week. We are proud to have provided essential water safety education to our youth, empowering them to stay safe in and around water. Thank you to all the dedicated staff who made this possible. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our community's children.

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Mental health is an important part of our overall health. Many of the things we do to support our mental health also supports our physical health and vice versa. Getting enough sleep, eating nutrient dense food and moving our bodies all support both our mental and physical health.

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Join us for Safety Around Water Week, April 29-May 3!

Find out more and how to register here: https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/programs/aquatics/safety-around-water

Nomination is now open for Best of the Best 2024!

Vote The YMCA: Your choice for Best Health Club and Group Fitness Destination.

Click here to nominate https://bit.ly/49qjdBE

This week we learned the importance of Know. See. Respond. and gained practical tools for preventing child sexual abuse—but our work is never done. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is committed to year-round prevention, and we hope you are, too! Stay connected and informed by visiting fivedaysofaction.org.