Submitted Photo Developing water safety skills is essential to safe and enjoyable experiences around water. The Minot Family YMCA and Golden K Kiwanis are teaming up to offer a free Water Safety Day Nov. 16.

The Minot Family YMCA will host Water Safety Day, a free and impactful community event dedicated to water safety education for children ages 4-14 and their families, on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Sponsored by the Golden K Kiwanis Club, the event uses the YMCA’s nationally recognized Safety Around Water program, specifically designed to equip youth and their families with lifesaving water skills and confidence around water.

“At the Y, we know that developing water safety skills is essential to safe and enjoyable experiences around water,” said Jayden Rensch, Aquatics director at the Minot Family YMCA. “Our Water Safety Day gives families the confidence to know they’re prepared and have the skills they need to stay safe.”

Each 25-minute session covers a range of water safety exercises tailored to increase children’s comfort and abilities in the water. Certified YMCA lifeguards and instructors will guide participants through practical safety skills, including strategies for unexpected situations, such as how to respond safely if they suddenly find themselves in water and the proper use of lifejackets. Through fun, hands-on activities and easy-to-understand exercises, the program teaches essential responses to common water safety challenges in a way that’s accessible to children of all skill levels.

Safety Around Water also provides an informative adult orientation, during which parents and caregivers will learn water safety principles they can reinforce at home. This orientation will equip adults with knowledge about home water safety practices, emergency responses and age-appropriate support strategies to ensure the whole family is ready for safe water activities.

The event will be held from noon-2 p.m. Participants should arrive between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to allow time to register. Participants will receive goodie bags and be eligible for door prizes.

Participants should bring a swimsuit and towel; goggles are optional. Families are encouraged to sign in at the registration table to receive their assigned session times, with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy while they wait.