Page 8 - Tampa YMCA Annual Report 2024

BUILDING
TOGETHER
At the Tampa YMCA we know the power of coming together to make a meaningful impact on our community.
One of our strategic priorities is drowning prevention, which remains a continuous focus. Florida still leads drowning deaths of children under four and Hillsborough County continuously ranks among the highest counties nationally for drowning cases in the same age group. Research tells us, formal swim lessons can reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. Now more than ever, the Tampa Y
is fully committed to doing what it takes to ensure not one more child drowns in Tampa Bay. Safety Around Water (SAW), one of the Y’s most impactful drowning prevention programs is offered at no cost to our community.
Filling critical community voids is another strategic priority. We take fresh fruits and vegetables to food deserts and underserved neighborhoods through
the Veggie Van. We are also looking
out for our veterans as we work to
launch Operation Strong Families. The free program provides tools for stress management, wellness and a sense of community to active military and veteran families. Funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Operation Strong Families aligns with our goal to make the Tampa YMCA a local destination where military families can grow in health, connectedness, and mental wellness.
All of this takes collaboration as we
bring together various stakeholders
like our members, board members, volunteers, community partners and local governments to create lasting change that positively impacts the Tampa Bay community.
2,900
kids learned life-saving skills at more than 30 Ys in Tampa Bay through Safety Around Water.
7 | TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
1,546
children received private swim lessons throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Additionally, 438 area children received mobile swim lessons.