Page 5 - YMCA of the Suncoast Annual Report 2021

NERATION
From lakes to pools and rivers, there is water everywhere in the Tampa Bay area. That’s
why Water Safety is a crucial component of the Y’s youth development efforts. In 2021, there were 24 child drowning deaths in the Tampa Bay area. This heartbreaking statistic motivates the Y to work even harder to ensure every child is safe around water. YMCA of the Suncoast offers Safety Around Water as an introductory swim program at no extra cost to kids ages 5-12 years old. Each day, children enjoy water safety education and character development lessons in a safe, structured environment. Instructors instill a love of the water while helping kids and parents build safety skills and knowledge.
When Aleksandra Johnston signed her son up for swim lessons at the James P. Gills YMCA,
it brought forth a flood of emotions. Her son, Julian, had survived a drowning incident just
a year prior. After spending some time in the pool with his grandparents, five year old Julian, slipped back outside to swim a little longer.
He had had no formal swim lessons, and when he entered a swimming pool alone he quickly sank to the deep end. Thankfully, Julian made
a full recovery and the Johnston’s knew that
he needed to learn water safety skills. Swim instructor Emmie worked with Julian to move past the traumatic incident and become a happy, engaged swimmer. Today, Julian loves swimming and is continuing to improve his swim skills.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and the YMCA’s Safety Around Water and swim lesson programs teach water safety skills and prevent tragic accidents like what happened to Julian and his family.
INSPIRING
IMPACT
5,787
children learned to swim and be safe around water.
200
foster kids learn, grow and thrive in
Y pools, waterparks, basketball courts, teen rooms, wellness centers and various programs.
YMCAOFTHESUNCOAST | ANNUALREPORT2021 4
E