“Swim for Jenny” week by YMCA of South Florida offers free swim lessons to promote water safety and reduce drowning risks

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children under 18 in Florida, with the state having the highest rate of childhood drownings in the nation. In response to this alarming statistic, the YMCA of South Florida is offering a lifeline through its annual “Swim for Jenny” initiative. From March 24 to March 28, the organization will provide free swim lessons to individuals of all ages in an effort to reduce drowning risks and promote water safety in the community.

“Swim for Jenny” is a week-long program designed to make swim lessons accessible to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. This initiative has a profound impact, especially in South Florida, where the surrounding bodies of water make aquatic safety a top priority. This year’s event will take place at various YMCA locations, including Fort Lauderdale’s L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, Hallandale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston.

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“The need for accessible and affordable swim lessons is greater than ever as drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four,” said Sheryl A. Woods, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Florida. “Swim lessons are critically important for ensuring that our kids are safe, particularly here in South Florida where we are practically surrounded by water. It’s been proven that children who receive formal swim instruction are 88% less likely to drown, and this is why Swim for Jenny has enabled us to positively affect tens of thousands of people in our communities by facilitating these life-saving lessons.”

The initiative was launched in 2013 in memory of a young girl named Jenny, who tragically drowned in 2011 because she didn’t know how to swim. Since its inception, “Swim for Jenny” has provided over 100,000 swim lessons to more than 25,000 people, with the goal of lowering the drowning rates in the state. This program has been particularly important in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, which lead the nation in child drownings.

Florida’s drowning statistics are staggering, with 101 child fatal drownings reported in 2023 alone. In addition to those fatalities, for every child who dies from drowning, seven others suffer nonfatal submersion injuries and require emergency care. These tragic numbers highlight the importance of preventive measures like the swim lessons offered through “Swim for Jenny.”

Generously supported by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, the YMCA’s “Swim for Jenny” initiative continues to grow each year, expanding its reach and making life-saving lessons available to even more families. The event is part of the YMCA’s larger commitment to providing affordable, accessible programs that foster community health and safety.

In addition to providing free swim lessons, the YMCA hopes to raise awareness about water safety and the critical role that swimming skills play in preventing drownings. While the initiative primarily targets children, it is open to people of all ages. The YMCA believes that teaching swim skills early in life can have a lasting impact, not just in preventing drownings, but in building confidence and promoting physical fitness.

Individuals interested in taking part in the “Swim for Jenny” program can register online at ymcasouthflorida.org/swim-for-jenny. The free lessons are available to all South Floridians, and families are encouraged to sign up early to reserve their spots in this life-changing initiative.

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The YMCA of South Florida, an award-winning nonprofit organization, has been a cornerstone of the South Florida community for over 100 years. With a commitment to strengthening community through various programs and services, the YMCA continues to be a vital resource for families in the region. In addition to offering aquatics programs like “Swim for Jenny,” the YMCA provides cutting-edge fitness facilities, health and wellness programs, afterschool care, summer camps, and more.

At a time when drowning rates are a serious concern in Florida, the YMCA’s “Swim for Jenny” program is more than just a week of free swim lessons. It is an effort to change the trajectory of future generations by teaching life-saving skills and fostering a culture of water safety.

For more information about “Swim for Jenny” and how to sign up, visit the YMCA of South Florida’s website at ymcasouthflorida.org/swim-for-jenny. Let’s make this year’s “Swim for Jenny” week the most impactful yet by helping South Florida’s communities stay safe in the water.