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The YMCA of South Florida began the season of water safety and drowning prevention with the annual “Swim for Jenny,” a week of free water safety lessons at several YMCA family centers in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. More than 2,100 children and adults received free lessons.
Since the “Swim for Jenny” program was implemented 12 years ago, the YMCA of South Florida has provided more than 100,000 lessons to over 20,000 children and adults. With Florida still leading the nation in childhood drownings, it is crucial for children and parents to be knowledgeable about water safety and drowning prevention.
According to several studies, swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent in children between 1 and 4 years old, making these skills a necessity in the childhood development process.
The community recently attended a reception to recognize the “Swim for Jenny” program and donors and sponsors that are committed to supporting and promoting water safety and drowning prevention including the Nicklaus Children’s Health System, City of Weston, Rotary Club of Weston, Brown & Brown Insurance Miami, Fifth Third, Related, Club Med, Milner Technologies, Florida Blue, Channel 7 Foundation, Hooters, Spirit Air Lines and many others.
“At the Y, we see ‘Swim for Jenny’ as more than just a week of lessons. It is a movement dedicated to saving lives, and every lesson we provide represents a step toward preventing drowning,” said Sheryl A. Woods, YMCA of South Florida president and CEO. “Drowning prevention starts with each of us. By actively participating, spreading the word and supporting this effort, we all contribute to more children and families having access to critical water safety skills. We’re extremely thankful to our partners, including the City of Weston and Nicklaus Children’s Health System, who help make what we do possible.”
In addition to “Swim for Jenny,” the YMCA also offers many other aquatic programs year-round. he YMCA has one of the most, if not the most, robust water safety and drowning prevention programs in South Florida. The best news is that anyone can come to any YMCA with a pool in South Florida and have their children evaluated as part of the Y’s Test-Mark-Protect assessment. Throughout the year, the YMCA also collects new swimsuits for children and adults that are provided to those who don’t have one and want to take swim lessons.
Each year proceeds from the YMCA Beach Ball Gala benefit Financial Assistance for Aquatics programming, so anyone, regardless of an ability to pay for membership, can come to the Y to learn water safety. This year’s Beach Ball Gala is Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. For more information, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball.
Additionally, the community can contribute to the YMCA’s water safety and drowning prevention initiatives through the Y’s current annual campaign. As part of this year’s campaign, titled “Together We Move The Community,” any one of several initiatives can be earmarked, including swim lessons for a child.
For more information on the Y’s annual campaign, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/give.
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