Page 8 - 2024 Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Annual Report

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.
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.
Filling critical community voids is another
strategic priority. We take fresh fruits
and vegetables to food deserts and
underserved neighborhoods through
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.
1,546
children received private swim
lessons throughout Hillsborough
and Pasco counties. Additionally,
438 area children received mobile
swim lessons.
7 | TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | ANNUAL REPORT 2024