YMCA ramps up its swim-lesson efforts
The YMCA is ramping up its effort to provide swim lessons in the Phoenix area to help minimize drowning calls.
Leaders from Valley of the Sun YMCA discussed efforts designed to prevent drowning and educate the community on water safety at a press conference Tuesday.
“We know that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning,” said Jackie Morgan, executive director of leadership development and risk management for Valley of the Sun YMCA.
May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA is launching a new curriculum designed to engage parents and children more closely with what is being taught.
“We’ve made a recommitment this year with the launching of our new swim lesson curriculum ... to reach 35,000 kids and adults this year in our water safety program alone,” said Katie Smetana, vice president of operations for Valley of the Sun YMCA. “So that’s the first time we’ve ever made a huge shout out like that.”
The YMCA is using community funds to help offset the program costs and make the lessons more affordable and assist those who might not be able to afford a fee. She said the YMCA “would never turn anyone away for their inability to pay.”
Maria Ayala, mother of a 9-month-old boy, has lived in Arizona her entire life. She plans on putting her son in swim lessons when he turns 1 in August.
“I think it’ll help him in the future,” Ayala said. “He won’t drown, and if somebody else is drowning, he’ll know what to do and help others.”