YMCA Offers Free Water Safety, Swim Lessons

TAMPA BAY, FL — Thanks to a $155,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation, Tampa Bay area children can receive free water safety and swim lessons at their local Y. Free Safety Around Water lessons start during the local school districts’ spring breaks.

In 2019, the collaborative effort taught nearly 8,000 kids water safety and swim lessons. This year’s grant expands the Y’s Safety Around Water program to more than 20 Y locations in the Tampa Bay area. Participating Y associations include the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, YMCA of the Suncoast, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Manatee Family YMCA and SKY Family YMCA.

Thanks to the generosity of the Florida Blue Foundation, the program is free and open to all 3-12-year-old beginners and non-swimmers in the Tampa Bay community. During the 4-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. A YMCA membership is NOT required; however, due to limited space, preregistration is required at these participating Ys:

March 12-20: Venice YMCA

March 16-19: Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA (11 locations), Clearwater YMCA, North Pinellas YMCA, Greater Palm Harbor YMCA, Greater Ridgecrest YMCA, Jim & Heather Gills YMCA, James P. Gills Family YMCA, Hernando County YMCA

March 23-26: Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA

April 27–May 1: Manatee Family YMCA (Lakewood Ranch and West Bradenton) 3-5 year olds

May 18-22: Manatee Family YMCA (Lakewood Ranch and West Bradenton) 6-12 year olds

This press release was produced by the YMCA of Tampa Bay. The views expressed here are the author’s own.