GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

Adam Brown has been a member of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA for more than 15 years and, if there is one thing those in the Y community know about him, it’s how much he loves to swim. 

“Swimming is my thing. I swam in high school. I swam in college. Now I swim at the Y five days a week,” he said. 

In addition to serving as a way to stay healthy, swimming has also played a role in allowing Brown to help others, like he did on a recent family vacation to Ocean City, New Jersey. 

“On our first morning there, my wife and I went down to get a cup of coffee on the boardwalk. We were sitting at a table during breakfast and all of the sudden you could hear screaming down by the beach,” Brown said. “I knew the lifeguards who normally patrol the area weren’t on duty yet, so my instincts kicked in.” 

Brown rushed to the shore and noticed that a family was stuck on the other side of a rock formation where a riptide had formed. 

“When I got out there, three of the four family members were starting to recover, but the 12 year old daughter was still well out in the ocean. I climbed down the rocks and jumped in the water,” he said. 

Brown swam roughly 500 yards to reach the girl and, with the assistance of two surfers who also joined the scene, helped keep her above water until rescue workers arrived to take her back to the beach.

“In total, the entire episode took 15 minutes. Even though I swim regularly, and have completed triathlons, I was completely gassed,” he said. “In fact, once I got out there, I realized that I had put myself in danger too. I just knew I had the ability to help.” 

Brown said the incident was a reminder of the precautions families should take every time they are planning activities around water.

“I think this can be a learning experience for any parents and kids out there. Regardless of the environment you are in, you should always think about safety first,” he said. “Strong swimmers, those who swim all the time and even train year-round, can get into trouble. There is a reason you should never swim at beaches that are unguarded. Know your limits.”

Facilities, Aquatics, and Risk Operations Director Cindy Moss reiterated the importance of learning from real life experiences.  

“We’re so proud of Adam and we hope his example can play a role in raising water safety awareness,” Moss said. “The Y is always here for our community, and we have the programs and services to support swimmers of any age or skill level.” 

Having returned home safely, Adam is happy to be back swimming in the pool at the Y.

“I’ve always been somebody who is looking out for everyone around me and I know that’s the way it is for so many others here at the Y. It’s a comfortable environment and a safe environment. This is the kind of place you want your family to be.” he said.

With the outdoor swimming season coming to a close and fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to utilize the YMCA! As the nation’s leading swim lesson instructor, the Y  can help your family learn the skills they need to stay safe when they are in and around water. Sign up for fall swim lessons today by registering online or by contacting your local branch.