The YMCA of the North, with the help of partnerships, is bringing free mobile swim lessons to families in underserved communities.
The YMCA of the North is partnering with the USA Swimming Foundation, Toyota, Hennepin County and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office to bring free swim lessons to families in underserved communities.
Through Mobile Swim Lessons Powered by Toyota, YMCA instructors and lifeguards with safety equipment will travel to designated low-income apartment complexes with swimming pools to offer water safety lessons this summer. According to a USA Swimming Foundation study conducted by UNLV and the University of Memphis, 79% of children in families with less than a $50,000 income have little to no swimming ability.
“The YMCA is committed to saving lives through water safety programs and education,” said Glen Gunderson, the president for the Y of the North in a press release. “We are excited to partner on the Mobile Swim Lessons program with the USA Swimming Foundation, Toyota and Hennepin County so we are able to offer this program free of charge so all can access life-saving lessons and skills.”
Children who reside in or near these apartment complexes will have the opportunity to learn the lifesaving skill of swimming during the summer or after school this fall, thus reaching those who may not otherwise take swimming lessons due to lack of transportation. With Toyota’s sponsorship of the program, the USA Swimming Foundation and Toyota can provide swim lessons for up to 500 children, through vehicle leases and sponsorship fees.
“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative and help bring not only swimming lessons and water safety to low-income communities, but also provide these children the opportunity to learn about swimming,” said Dedra DeLilli, the group manager of sponsorship, integration and activation of Toyota Motor North America in a press release. “At Toyota, we believe that when given the opportunity and resources, one can truly accomplish anything. Our hope is that these children feel more confident and safer around water thanks to the Mobile Learn to Swim program.”
“Once again our friends at Toyota have stepped up to help when we needed them most, and we are extremely grateful for their generosity,” said Shana Ferguson, the chief commercial officer for USA Swimming in a press release. “There is glory in winning competitive swim medals on the global scene, but there is dire need for providing access to swim lessons for those who need them locally. Toyota has figured out how to help us do both in their own unique way. We are humbled by their continued engagement with our sport and our communities.”
The Mobile Swim Lessons program will be offering water safety sessions for kids ages five to 12 years old.
To learn more about hosting Mobile Swim Powered by Toyota, please contact Shannon Kinstler at Shannon.Kinstler@ymcanorth.org.
