Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 14. Nationally, 70% of African-American children, 58% of Hispanic children and 40% of white children have little or no swimming ability. Additionally, for these children the cost of swimming lessons is often too high to invest in.
By connecting with local schools, the YMCA integrates swimming lessons into the curriculum, and the support of the local community funds the cost. In Swim School children are taught basic swimming skills, how to be safe around water, how to help a friend in trouble in the water, and how to avoid danger, all while encouraging personal growth and development through our Safety and Water Program.