SPRING INTO SUMMER AT THE Y
Published 04.06.21
Spring brings a season of rebirth and renewal. Time when flowers begin to bloom and leaves are beginning to bud on trees. At the Y, it means preparing to welcome more of our members back. 90% of our staff are vaccinated and as we call our members each month who are on hold, we know many are preparing to return as they too are getting vaccinated.
This spring means reconnecting with your Y community and recommitting to your health journey. For many, this renewal is more important than ever before, and with new ways to access your programs through our Virtual Y, group fitness classes, chronic disease prevention programs, our swim lessons, personal training, and cycling that is returning on April 28th, people of all ages, interests, and skill levels will find plenty of ways to get active! So put your worries aside because you’re not alone -- our welcoming staff and fellow members will support your physical, social, and emotional health journey every step of the way. Let the Y help you spring into summer as we are in this together FOR A BETTER US!
As school's return to in-person learning, we are transitioning our remote learning program back to the Y for those families who are not ready to return to in person school. Also, we are beginning preparations to host our Summer Day Camp at the Y in June.
This May, we are planning on reopening access to a few of the amenities, including locker rooms, gyms, member lounge, and even towels all within safety guidelines mandated by the state and assuming COVID-19 health statistics permit.
Your YMCA has never been just a building, but rather community members, neighbors, folks from all backgrounds and walks of life who come together to support each other and strengthen our community.
Join us at the Y today. For A Better Us!
Phillip Jimenez
President/CEO
YOUR Y PROVIDES
ACCESS TO SWIM LESSONS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years old. In ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average, according to a USA Swimming study. Additionally, 64 percent of African-American children, 45 percent of Latino children, and 40 percent of Caucasian children have little or no swimming ability. The Y believes this is especially true following 2020’s COVID-19 shutdowns.
As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the West Cook YMCA will provide complimentary swim lessons to 100 youth for swim instruction and water safety to children in vulnerable communities who were referred from School District 89, OPRF Community Foundation, DePaul Family and Community Services, and Fellowship Community Services. They began their lessons April 5th and will complete their lessons May 29th, just in time for summer.
In a typical year, the West Cook YMCA teaches almost 2,000 swim lessons in their swim programs—this decreased to less than 600 in 2020. We know there are children in our community who are now more at risk due to the need to maintain social distancing in 2020 and we want to make every effort we can to reach those kids this year. In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment while COVID-19 is still present, the Y is reducing the number of children in each class, requiring instructors wear face shields while in the water, and practicing social distancing during lessons. Parents can visit westcookymca.org/aquatics to view a video demonstrating the measures taken to ensure the health and safety of our aquatic participants.
The Swim Access Program is funded by YMCA of the USA's Strategic Initiative Fund.
NEW DEMO CARDIO EQUIPMENT
Thank you to those completed a demo of the Precor equipment and provided feedback. Beginning April 7th, you can make a reservation to try cardio equipment from Freemotion.
West Cook YMCA members can demo FREEMOTION cardio equipment and provide feedback by completing a survey after their demo. Reservations are required. Make your reservation online today under Demo Equipment Reservation.
Please note that equipment will be installed throughout the week allowing up to 4 members at a time.
Demo Room Guidelines
Reservations required
Only 4 members allowed in the room at a time
Maximum of one hour reservation
30 minute segments to try equipment
Masks required at all times
All other safety protocols from wellness center are observed
FreeMotion Equipment Available: