Needs From: Togetherhood

Help kids build confidence, safety skills, and a lifelong respect for water.

For more than 15 years, Y Splash has been a trusted YMCA program that teaches children essential water safety skills using the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum. Through fun, hands-on learning stations, kids gain the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe in and around the water.

As a Y Splash volunteer, you’ll play a meaningful role in guiding students through interactive safety activities—no teaching experience required and most roles do not require entering the water.

How Volunteering Works

When you arrive, you’ll be assigned to a station based on need.

Each volunteer receives a laminated, easy-to-follow curriculum with clear instructions and talking points.

YMCA Aquatics staff are on-site to lead, support, and ensure a smooth experience.

Volunteer Roles (Stations)

Reach or Throw – Water Rescue Basics (Dry Role)
Help students learn how to assist someone in trouble in the water without jumping in themselves. Volunteers guide kids in practicing safe rescue techniques using reaching and throwing tools.

Think So You Don’t Sink – Floating & Self-Rescue Skills (May involve water)
Support students as they practice floating on their backs, blowing bubbles, and learning the “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” technique—an essential skill if they ever find themselves in water over their head.

Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket – Life Jacket & Canoe Safety (Water-based station)
Help students learn how to properly wear a life jacket, safely enter and exit a canoe, and jump into the water while wearing their jacket to experience how it supports them.

Important note: Not all volunteers will be placed in water-based roles. Two of the three stations can be completed entirely on deck.

What to Expect

Clear instructions and support throughout the program

A welcoming, upbeat environment focused on encouragement and safety

The chance to directly impact children by teaching skills that truly save lives

Schedule

January 12 – Eastfield Global Magnet School

January 19 – Homeschool Co-Op

January 26 – Pleasant Gardens Elementary

February 2 – Nebo Elementary

February 9 – Marion Elementary

February 16 – North Cove Elementary

February 23 – Glenwood Elementary

March 2 – Old Fort Elementary

March 9 – West Marion Elementary

Volunteers will arrive prior to the start time to receive direction and be placed into stations as needed. All materials and guidance will be provided on-site

Why this Matters 

Y Splash equips children with confidence and practical skills that extend far beyond the pool. Your time helps ensure every child has a positive, empowering experience—and a safer future around water.

Come ready to encourage, engage, and make a splash in the best possible way.

Join the Corpening YMCA for a neighborhood clean-up in East Marion, part of an ongoing series of community beautification efforts. This project is led in partnership with West Marion Community Forum, NC Cooperative Extension, and Keep McDowell Beautiful. 

This event focuses on creating safer, cleaner streets while strengthening connections between YMCA members and the surrounding community. This project continues the YMCA’s commitment to showing up consistently — not just once — to care for the communities we serve.

What Volunteers Will Do

Volunteers will work in small groups to pick up litter and debris along designated streets near the meeting location.

Clean-up areas include:

Morehead Avenue

Miller Avenue

All volunteers will receive clear direction on boundaries and safety expectations at check-in.

What’s Provided

All clean-up supplies will be provided on site, including:

Gloves

Trash bags

Trash grabbers

Safety vests

Volunteers should not bring their own equipment.

Who Can Volunteer

YMCA members and community volunteers

Families are welcome

Youth must be accompanied by an adult unless otherwise directed by site staff

What to Wear / Bring

Closed-toe shoes

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing

Water bottle (recommended)

Check-In Information

Volunteers should arrive a few minutes early to check in at 635 Baldwin Ave for role assignments, safety guidance, and supplies.

Why It Matters

This clean-up is part of a continuum of service projects aimed at building pride, care, and momentum in East Marion. Every project builds on the last — and every volunteer helps move the work forward.