Click here to see how the Y teams up with Florida Blue to save lives.
Thanks to the generosity of the Florida Blue Foundation, the YMCA of the Suncoast was able to provide free Safety Around Water classes for thousands of kids this year. Thanks to Florida Blue, the program is free and open to all beginners and non-swimmers, 3-12-years-old. More than 6,700 children across Tampa Bay have benefitted from the drowning prevention program so far this year.
The Y and the Florida Blue Foundation believe teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The Safety Around Water program can help children, families and adults make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely. 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. Other participating Ys in the collaborative effort including the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Manatee YMCA and SKY Family Y.
Although Safety Around Water lessons have wrapped up for the year, families can sign up for swim lessons at any branch all year long. At the Y, we teach youth, teens and adults to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills they need to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for staying healthy.