The Southside Virginia Family YMCA is helping local children gain lifesaving water safety skills by providing free swim lessons to all second graders at Prince Edward County Elementary School.
Through the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program, students are bused weekly to the YMCA for a one-hour swim lesson as part of a six-week program held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The lessons focus on basic swimming ability and critical water safety skills designed to help children stay safe around pools, lakes and other bodies of water.
The program is made possible through a $5,000 grant from Prince Edward County, along with additional community support, including $650 from the Farmville Rotary Club and generous contributions from YMCA members and local community members.
Drowning remains a serious risk for children. According to national data, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14, making early water safety education a vital step in prevention.
“The YMCA is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills,” said Betsy Prengaman, Director of Aquatics of the Southside Virginia Family YMCA. “We are grateful for the partnership with Prince Edward County Public Schools and the support from our community that makes it possible to provide this program at no cost to families.”
During each session, YMCA instructors guide students through water safety instruction and foundational swim techniques in a supportive environment designed to build confidence in and around the water.
By providing transportation and funding for the program, community partners have helped remove barriers, allowing every second-grader at Prince Edward County Elementary School to participate.
“This program is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together to support its young people,” said Doug Stanley, Prince Edward County Administrator. “These lessons give children skills that can protect them for a lifetime.”
The Southside Virginia Family YMCA continues to expand programs that promote youth development, healthy living and community safety across the region.