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More than 500 passionate community leaders, advocates and supporters gathered, feasted and raised significant funds for the YMCA of South Florida’s water safety and drowning prevention initiatives during the recent Olympian Tides themed Beach Ball Gala, with Title Sponsor the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Presenting Sponsor Nicklaus Children’s.
The evening’s festivities kicked off at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with a festive cocktail reception, followed by dinner, live musical entertainment, dancing, and live and silent auctions.
During the Gala, the YMCA of South Florida presents its Lifesaver Award to community members and organizations that exemplify the spirit of commitment to drowning prevention.
This year’s Lifesaver Award was shared by a select group of cities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The mayors and fire chiefs of these cities have gone above and beyond by taking their partnership with the Y to another level, providing unwavering support for its water safety and drowning prevention programs in different ways throughout the years The cities recognized were:
- The City of Fort Lauderdale has invested in safety by supporting the YMCA of South Florida pools at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center and the future Holiday Park YMCA.
- The City of Hallandale Beach partnered with the Y to build a full-service YMCA inside a city park with a pool that is already saving lives.
- The City of Hollywood celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and continues to be an overall partner, providing swim lessons and championing the Y’s mission and work across the community.
- The City of Weston supports multiple YMCA initiatives – from Veterans Day celebrations to critical water safety programs.
- The City of Pembroke Pines has been a champion for aquatics, especially for children with special needs through the Y’s Swim Buddies program.
- The Village of Palmetto Bay in South Dade has adopted the YMCA as their own, with Mayor Karyn Cunningham actively supporting swim lessons and the new pool coming to that community in 2026.
“Even with all our individual resources, no single organization has the power to solve the drowning crisis alone,” said YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “Drowning is preventable, but it takes government leaders, first responders, nonprofits and families coming together and working side by side to multiply our impact and protect our children. Here in South Florida, our cities are a shining example of that collaboration, and I’m proud to present them with this very deserving honor.”
Studies have shown that formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by almost 90%. Since the Beach Ball’s inception in 2016, more than 225,000 children and families in local communities have received drowning prevention and water safety education at the YMCA of South Florida thanks to proceeds from the annual Beach Ball and the generous support of donors and sponsors.
Recognized as a leading community organization for water safety and drowning prevention education, the YMCA of South Florida provides private and group swimming lessons at its Family Center pools. The Y’s Mobile Aquatics program also provides lessons at community pools, while the organization collaborates with local partners on public service announcements and poolside signage initiatives. Additionally, complimentary swim lessons are offered during the Y’s annual Swim for Jenny in March.
“We want to thank our amazing sponsors, donors, host committee and guests for making Beach Ball: Olympian Tides an unforgettable success,” added Woods “Because of their support, we are able to touch and transform 3,900 lives, ensuring access to vital aquatic programs and opportunities that make waves of lasting change.”
In addition to Title Sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Presenting Sponsor Nicklaus Children’s, Beach Ball 2025 was also supported by Titanium Sponsors Brown & Brown Insurance Miami-Dade and Seminole Media Productions; Diamond Sponsors Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities and Related; and Platinum Plus Sponsor Milner, Inc.; among others.
To learn more about the YMCA of South Florida and its drowning prevention initiatives, visit YMCASouthFlorida.org.
About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As a leading nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.
