It's almost summer, and kids are ready to put down the books and jump in the pool, and the YMCA of South Florida wants to make sure they're safe around water.
Broward and Miami-Dade counties rank first and second nationwide in the number of drowning deaths each year of children age four and younger. To combat this stark statistic, YMCA's across South Florida are teaming up on a new safety initiative.
Throughout the summer, the YMCA will be visiting community pools and apartment complex pools all throughout South Florida in their brand new mobile aquatics van to provide free swimming lessons.
The best part? You don't have to be a YMCA member to take advantage.
"Our team shows up with all of the safety equipment, all of the swim lesson equipment with the certified swim instructors and lifeguards, and we provide lessons right in their own pool," said Jackie Morgan, YMCA Director of Aquatics Innovation.
The program will be especially beneficial for families that cannot otherwise afford swimming lessons for their children. Swim lessons will be offered for one week at each location.
YMCA of South Florida hopes to visit at least two dozen complexes before summer ends. So far, just a handful of complexes have signed up, so they're looking for more.
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In addition to the mobile aquatics van, the YMCA is offering free swimming lessons for children and adults at participating YMCA locations from May 18 - 21.
Interested swimmers can visit the YMCA of South Florida on the web to find a nearby location, and to register for lessons.
Communities and complexes interested in scheduling a visit from the mobile aquatics van can call (855) 212-3938.
