Category: Social Responsibility

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water. 

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Want to learn about swim lessons at the Y? Check out our Safety Around Water and swim lesson information

Join Five Days of Action to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, April 24-28

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re participating in the Five Days of Action – a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign and through implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, YMCA of Coastal Carolina is committing to the safety of all children in our community. 

The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas – preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, and internet safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, U.S. Center for SafeSport and Praesidium have shared resources to support this campaign.

Know: Summer Camp

KNOWing about child sexual abuse can help adults better understand what to look for and how to prevent it.  As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to the young people in our lives, we play an important role in protecting them from abuse. This requires our commitment to continually learn and then ask questions about the safety of our loved ones. 

The Y – and other youth serving organizations – implement a series of measures to keep the kids in their care safe.  Next time you enroll your loved one in a new program, ask them about their child protection practices. For this summer, you can use this list.

See: Youth Sports

When we SEE boundaries being crossed or suspect a child is being abused, we can and should act quickly. Sports should be safe places for children to grow, both as people and athletes. As a parent, caregiver, coach, or volunteer, it is up to you to make sure any environment in which children in your care interact is free from abuse. Learn more about the signs and how you can help prevent child sexual abuse in youth sports at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/parents/.

Respond: Internet Safety

Did you know that you don’t need evidence to report abuse—only reasonable suspicion? But even for adults, reporting abuse is hard. We don’t want to falsely accuse someone or get someone in trouble. On the other hand, reporting might be the one thing that saves a child – or children – from abuse. It is our responsibility to RESPOND to any and all disclosure, discovery or suspicion of child sexual abuse. 

As adults and children alike have turned to digital tools for school, work and socialization, online safety matters now more than ever. Many online dangers put children at risk, such as cyber bullying, online enticement and more. As an adult, keeping an open line of communication with any children in your care who may access online content can be key to helping prevent sexual abuse. Learn the facts, how you can keep kids safe, and how to respond to online victimization at https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz.

We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina takes our child protection policies seriously to ensure we keep kids safe in Horry and Georgetown Counties.

May Events Calendar

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

A few noteworthy events and programs in the month of May for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina:

2023 Annual Campaign

  • Donate: Your donations provide financial assistance for families to join the Y, learn to swim, participate in youth sports, and have a safe space for kids to learn and grow. No family is turned away from participating due to financial barriers.
  • Designate your donations to Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, and/orTidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA 
  • More info: 2023 Annual Campaign

Palmetto Giving Day

  • When: May 2-3, 2023
  • What: Palmetto Giving Day is a 36-hour, online giving event for Georgetown County. Please choose Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA on this day of giving! All donations support our Annual Campaign.
  • Donate: Give to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA on Palmetto Giving Day

Female Pelvic Health Talk with Dr. Peacher

  • Dr. Peacher will discuss common female pelvic health issues and how to combat them.
  • May 19th at 2:00 pm
  • Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA
  • Free to members and non-members

YMCA of Coastal Carolina Prayer Breakfast

  • Date: May 4, 2023
  • Where: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach
  • What: The YMCA of Coastal Carolina will host the inaugural Prayer Breakfast on the National Day of Prayer. This year’s keynote speaker is Jim Morgan, former CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. Community members from all faiths and backgrounds are invited to attend this event.
  • Tickets: YMCA of Coastal Carolina Prayer Breakfast

Flag Football Registration

  • Registration Dates: Registration is open until 5/5/23. 
  • Season Dates: 5/15/23 – 7/14/23. 
  • Where: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach and Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA in Georgetown 
  • Ages: 5-15 as of August 31, 2022
  • What: NFL FLAG is the premier youth flag football league for boys and girls ages 5-15. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning life lessons in teamwork.
  • More info: Flag Football Info + Registration

Lifeguard Certification Courses

  • Dates: several dates available, check here for details
  • What: Get Qualified – It’s the perfect part-time job! The first step to becoming a lifeguard is to get qualified. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina provides the training, certification, and life saving skills needed to become a nationally certified lifeguard! (and we are hiring!)
  • More info: Registration & details

Red Cross Blood Drive

  • Date and time: May 22nd
  • Where: Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA

Summer Camp Registration

Parents Night Out

  • When & Where: May 6 in Pawleys, May 20 in Georgetown, May 19 in Myrtle Beach
  • Who: for parents!
  • What: Drop off the children with our certified staff and rest assured they will have as much fun as you. 
  • Sign up: Click here for Registration + Details

View also April Events Calendar

April Events Calendar

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

A few noteworthy events and programs in the month of April for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina:

Parents Night Out

  • When & Where: April 1 in Pawleys, April 15 in Georgetown, April 21 in Myrtle Beach
  • Who: for parents!
  • What: Drop off the children with our certified staff and rest assured they will have as much fun as you.
  • Sign up: Click here for Registration + Details

Safe@Home by Safe Sitter®

  • When: April 11
  • Where: Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA
  • Who: for students in grades 4-6
  • What: a 90-minute program designed for students in grades 4-6 to prepare them to be safe when they are home alone.  Students learn how to practice safe habits, how to prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. Students are also introduced to the Safe Sitter® First Aid Chart and learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. The program is designed to prepare students for their first steps towards independence. The main topics are personal, online, indoor, and outdoor safety.”
  • Sign up: Tidelands Health Safe@Home Registration

Diabetes Prevention Program

  • When: Monday April 17, 2023 or Wednesday April 19, 2023 8 am – 10 am
  • Where: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA
  • What: Learn more about Tidelands Health Diabetes Prevention Program. Our program is a Free, nationally recognized lifestyle change program that works, where you’ll learn, laugh, share stories, try new things, and build new healthy habits—all while lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and improving your health: lessons, handouts, and other resources are provided to help you make healthy changes.

Healthy Kids Day

  • When: April 29th from 10am – 1pm
  • Where: All Three Locations: Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA, Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, and Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA
  • Who: Families!
  • What: Free and open to the public, this annual event features a day of fun-filled activities to celebrate kids being kids.
  • More info: YMCA of Coastal Carolina sets kids up for success for summer at Healthy Kids Day

Spring Break Camps

  • Myrtle Beach: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA from 4/3/23 – 4/7/23
  • Pawleys Island: Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA from 4/7/23 – 4/14/23
  • Georgetown: Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA from 4/10/23 – 4/14/23
  • What: School’s Out Days are an adventure that provides a fun, safe place to be when kids don’t have school! This camp inspired program includes a balance of fun, educational, & creative activities while developing the potential of every child.
  • More info: Registration and Details

Flag Football Registration

  • Registration Dates: Registration is open until 5/5/23.
  • Season Dates: 5/15/23 – 7/14/23.
  • Where: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach and Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA in Georgetown
  • Ages: 5-15 as of August 31, 2022
  • What: NFL FLAG is the premier youth flag football league for boys and girls ages 5-15. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning life lessons in teamwork.
  • More info: Flag Football Info + Registration

Lifeguard Certification Courses

  • Dates: several dates available, check here for details
  • What: Get Qualified – It’s the perfect part-time job! The first step to becoming a lifeguard is to get qualified. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina provides the training, certification, and life saving skills needed to become a nationally certified lifeguard! (and we are hiring!)
  • More info: Registration & details

Summer Camp Registration

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

  • About: YMCA of Coastal Carolina is expanding the Power thru Parkinson’s program to the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in April.
  • Class Description: A 60-minute group exercise class for anyone with Parkinson’s, Parkinsonisms, or movement disorders that would benefit from repetitive, exaggerated patterns of movement. Each class has 10-12 stations that work on strength training, balance and neuromotor training, as well as cardiovascular work and stretching. Incorporating exercise has proven to improve motor disorders and nonmotor disorders in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore, providing the chance to take part in physical and cognitive exercises in a group setting challenges the person to use muscles, pathways, and expressions they may otherwise shy away from.
  • Learn more about sign up for the program at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA or Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA: Power Thru Parkinson’s

YMCA of Coastal Carolina to host Inaugural Community Prayer Breakfast

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina will host the inaugural Prayer Breakfast on the National Day of Prayer, May 4, 2023, at the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach. 

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. 

This year’s keynote speaker is Jim Morgan, former CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. 

Ryan Finney, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina said, “Many YMCAs across the country host National Day of Prayer events to unite the community they serve. We decided this year is the perfect time to start this annual event. The morning will include breakfast, prayers, music, and speakers. All are welcome to pray, reflect, and give thanks for our community. Proceeds will benefit our Annual Campaign which provides life-changing programs and services to families in our community that need them most.”

Community members from all faiths and backgrounds are invited to attend this event.

Tickets are $20 and include breakfast. The event will be held in the gymnasium at the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA located at 5000 Claire Chapin Epps Drive, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Thank you to our generous sponsor, FBI Construction.

Sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact Hatton Gravely at 843.839.3983 for information.

Purchase Tickets or Table

Get your flu shot at the Y

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

Tidelands Health will host flu shot clinics at each YMCA of Coastal Carolina branch.

MyCarolinaLife.com reports, “The state has recorded more than 32,600 lab-confirmed flu cases, 33 times the number of confirmed cases recorded at this point in the 2021-22 flu season, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.”

“As anticipated, flu is coming on strong this year,” says Dr. Sean Nguyen, medical director of primary care at Tidelands Health and a family medicine physician at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common “It’s very important for people, especially those at high risk, to get vaccinated and take preventative measures to limit the risk of infection and slow the spread of the disease.”

If you would like to get your flu shot, you can visit one of our branches at the following dates and times:

  • Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA:Wednesday, 12/7/22 from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
  • Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA:Thursday,12/8/22 from4 – 7 p.m.
  • Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA:Wednesday, 12/14/22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Please bring your ID and insurance card. Anyone who does not bring an insurance card will be charged $25, which you can opt to be billed or pay that day.

Sign Up for a Flu Shot

November #HealthyHabit Challenge: Get Involved in Your Community!

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

The YMCA challenges you to participate in our new monthly #HealthyHabit challenges to keep our community active, mindful, and happy!

Our November Challenge: Get Involved in Your Community!  

Community is vital to our culture. Whether you realize it or not, the people around you influence your attitudes and everything you do! 

When you engage with your community, you can: 

  • Discover new interests 
  • Participate in local events 
  • Meet new people 
  • Feel a sense of belonging 

Do you feel out of touch with the people around you? During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people experienced a loss of company, activities, and connections. Now is the time to rebuild our community! We challenge you this month to immerse yourself in our area. Communities can come in the form of volunteer, professional, hobby-based or even religion-based groups. There are always ways to meet people with similar interests, and here along the Grand Strand, the opportunities are endless. Whether your goal is to meet new people, try new things, or just have something to do, check out our tips and tricks to get involved! 

8 Tips and Tricks to Get Involved 

  1. Join a Facebook group. One of the main reasons why people neglect their community is due to a lack of knowledge. You might want to get involved, but don’t know where to start. Joining a Facebook group can help you stay connected to those around you and stay updated on upcoming local events. Try searching “Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown SC Events” on Facebook and see what you can find! 
  2. Donate. Donating your food, clothing, or products is a rewarding way to stay involved in your community. There are so many people around you that are in need, and you might never know! If you are fortunate enough to donate your belongings or money, you are making a huge impact on the people around you. And, it will feel so good knowing you are making a difference. We are currently collecting swimsuits and towels for second-graders participating in our Safety Around Water program.
  3. Attend a local sporting event. What is a universal group that can always bring a community together? A team. The Myrtle Beach/Conway area has plenty of local teams, such as the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Cheering for a team with your community and celebrating their wins is such a memorable experience. Plus, there is nothing better for a player to see than a packed stadium full of supportive fans. 
  4. Shop at a local store. Supporting your community’s small businesses is incredibly important in keeping its culture alive. Instead of shopping at a chain store or eating at a commercial restaurant, try out the unique products and services of something local! By shopping locally, you are helping that business stay alive as well as receiving the personal touch of dedicated people in your community. 
  5. Take a group exercise class. One fun way to meet new people is at the YMCA! Our group fitness classes are a great way to not only stay healthy, but meet new people!
  6. Volunteer. Volunteering makes the world a better place. The best part, however, is that it has an immediate impact specific to your area. Whether you volunteer at an animal shelter, retirement home, or a soup kitchen, investing your time in those around you it vital to keeping a community alive and cared for. This is a great way to meet new people and form meaningful bonds. 
  7. Go to a cleanup. Not only do you want to be proud of the people in your community, but you want to take pride in how it looks as well. Organized community service is a fantastic way to keep the community looking shiny and new. Cleaning up trash and litter keeps the environment healthy. Through cleanups, you can also meet all the other people who are just as dedicated to their community. 
  8. Join an adult recreational league. Sports are not just for youth and professionals! Staying active is fun and important. When you join a team, you are investing time and effort in those around you are forming meaningful relationships. Competition brings people together! Check out the adult soccer league our YMCA has to keep adults involved! 

When you put effort into your community, the benefits are endless. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it! Keep your community clean, happy, and healthy by participating in the November #HealthyHabits challenge! 

Thank you to our Fore the Kids Fundraiser Sponsors!

Posted on Updated on by Hatton Gravely

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina hosted our annual Fore the Kids fundraiser at Top Golf Myrtle Beach on October 20, 2022. Teams of six enjoyed a fun evening with food, drinks, silent auction, and a Top Golf tournament! Thank you to our sponsors and donors for helping us reach our fundraising goal!

Impact Teams included:

  • Bellamy Law Firm
  • Brittain Law Firm
  • Dargan Real Estate
  • Doxa Church Party
  • Golf Trek
  • Keller Williams
  • Keystone Commercial Realty
  • Matrix Fitness
  • Movement Mortgage
  • Spann Roofing
  • The Jackson Companies
  • Waccamaw Dermatology

Proceeds support the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA.

Your participation in our any of our fundraisers provide financial assistance for families to join the Y, learn to swim, participate in youth sports, and have a safe space for kids to learn and grow at our After School and Summer Camp programs.

Find your reason to give

Everyone has access to the YMCA thanks to donor support. Safe spaces for kids to learn and grow. Outreach to seniors who are feeling isolated. Opportunities to get moving and experience the joy of better health. We do not turn anyone away for membership or any of our programs due to financial assistance. These are just a few of the many reasons to give to the Y. Help us support our mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 

At the Y, we connect people to a greater sense of purpose and to each other to make our community stronger.

2022 Event Information

  • Sponsor a team of six to play in the Top Golf tournament
  • Donate to the silent auction
  • Bid on items in the silent auction
  • Make a donation
  • Share our event on social media!
Visit the Event Website

Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA hosts Sweat for the Cure, a Blood Drive, and Trick-or-Treat this weekend

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA hosts three events for the community: Sweat for the Cure, Trick or Treat, and a blood drive.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th

  • Sweat for the Cure is on Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31st

  • Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Trick or Treat from 5 -7:30 p.m.

Sweat for the Cure

Sweat for Cure is a fundraiser to help those in need receive mammograms.

Saturday October 29th from 9:30-11:30 am

Come join us for 2 hours of exercise fun.  Zumba, Tae Bo, Dancing, HITT, and Yoga will all be included.

Wear your pink and sweat for a great cause!

REGISTER

Blood Drive

Monday, October 31st
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Blood Connection Blood Drive

All donors will receive a $20 eGift card.

REGISTER with Sponsor Code 7784

Trick or Treat

Monday, October 31st
5 – 7:30 p.m.

Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA hosts Lunch and Learn: “Understanding Medicare: How Medicare May Pay for Your YMCA Membership”

Posted on by Hatton Gravely

Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA presents a Lunch and Learn opportunity on Wednesday, November 2 from 11:30am – 12:30pm. 

Mr. Fred Thomas, a YMCA member and Medicare specialist, will be on hand to present “Understanding Medicare: How Medicare May Pay for Your YMCA Membership.” 

Mr. Thomas will spend time comparing Medicare and Medicare Advantage and answer any questions for those in attendance.  This is a free offering, and the YMCA will provide a light lunch.  

Space is limited to the first 30 guests to sign up, so please RSVP to [email protected].  

The event will be held in Group Exercise room 2 at the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA located at 529 Browns Ferry Rd. Georgetown, SC 29440. 

Lunch and Learn: “Understanding Medicare: How Medicare May Pay for Your YMCA Membership”
Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA
November 2 from 11:30am – 12:30pm

Limited Availability
RSVP to Zach Marshall, [email protected]

REMINDER: All 3 YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will be closed for a staff training on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Updated Hours Today

We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today. 

  • Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
  • Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
 24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.