In the wake of a recent drowning death in La Cañada, the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA is offering free swim lessons and water safety tips to the community. On Saturday, July 14 from noon to 2 p.m., Ariel Pezner, a 17-year-old La Cañada resident, a Y junior life guard graduate and Girl Scout, will join staff and officials from the fire department in an afternoon of activities centered around the importance of practicing safety when in and around water.

Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the free lessons and fun water safety activities. Parents can learn more about the California Health and Safety Code and how to comply with the laws that protect all residents, young and old.

Space is limited for the free 30-minute swim lessons, so those interested need to call (818) 790-0123 to reserve their spot.

“The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Aquatics Director Heather Harris. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”

The Y recommends kids and adults practice the following safety tips when in and around the water:

• Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.

• Adults should constantly and actively watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is on duty.

• Inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in, on or around the water.

• Parents or guardians of children who are non-swimmers or beginning level swimmers should be in the water and within arm’s reach of their child.

• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities in the water.