YMCA of South Florida announces Beach Ball 2025 to raise funds and awareness for life-saving water safety programs across the community

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – This fall, the YMCA of South Florida is turning the spotlight on water safety with its annual Beach Ball Gala, themed Olympian Tides. Set to take place on Saturday, October 4, the event promises a memorable evening of celebration, entertainment, and philanthropy at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. The festivities will kick off with The Gathering at 6:30 p.m., followed by The Feast and concluding with The Bacchanalia, bringing together more than 600 community leaders, advocates, and supporters for a night dedicated to saving lives through swimming and aquatic education.

Title sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s lead the event, supported by a broad range of corporate partners including Brown & Brown Insurance, Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities, Related Group, Milner, Spirit Airlines, Ryder, Club Med, ANF, Matrix, Gulf Building, JM Family Enterprises, and Royal Caribbean Group. Their support ensures that the Y’s critical programs remain accessible and effective for children and families across South Florida.

The Beach Ball Gala is more than just a glamorous evening; it is a lifeline for the Y’s aquatics initiatives. Proceeds from the event directly fund financial assistance for swimming programs that provide free or subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth. Beyond teaching children how to swim, these programs include wet and dry safety lessons, initiatives like Swim for Jenny, and family education resources designed to prevent drowning tragedies. Florida continues to lead the nation in child drownings, with Broward and Miami-Dade counties reporting the highest numbers. Alarmingly, at least 40% of children have little or no swimming ability, a figure that rises to 64% among certain minority groups.

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“Because every life saved is a victory we all share, we must keep funding and improving our programs to continue providing swim lessons and water safety education to more children and their families,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “We appreciate the support of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Nicklaus Children’s and all our amazing sponsors. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

The Y also focuses on teaching children and families about the dangers of underwater hypoxic blackout, a phenomenon that can occur when someone playing breath-holding games loses consciousness underwater, potentially leading to rapid drowning. This risk exists even for strong swimmers and underscores the importance of formal water safety education.

The Y’s programs are not only life-saving but also highly effective. Research indicates that formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. Every year, more than 50,000 children and adults in South Florida are taught drowning prevention and water safety techniques through YMCA programs. Many lessons are supported by the Y’s Aquatic Financial Assistance Program, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation. Children typically engage in an eight-lesson drowning prevention program where they learn critical skills for safety in and around water. Additionally, the Y’s Mobile Aquatics program brings these lessons directly to low-income neighborhoods, teaching water safety to children and their caregivers in areas where access may otherwise be limited.

The Beach Ball Gala offers an evening of entertainment, connection, and purpose. Guests can look forward to a cocktail reception, dinner, live musical performances, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. The event provides a platform for attendees to enjoy a memorable night while making a tangible impact on community health and safety. Sponsorships and early bird tickets are currently available, with packages ranging from Diamond at $25,000 to Silver at $3,000, allowing organizations and individuals to contribute at a level that aligns with their capacity and commitment.

“Every contribution helps ensure that children and families have the skills and confidence to enjoy aquatic activities safely,” said Woods. “Our programs are designed to save lives, empower communities, and build confidence. The Beach Ball Gala is a critical part of sustaining these efforts and expanding our reach.”

The YMCA of South Florida has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century, providing more than 200 programs for individuals ranging from six months old to 100 years young. Its Family Centers act as vibrant hubs of activity, offering cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, educational and afterschool programs, summer camps, wellness classes, and community events that foster inclusion, growth, and engagement. With a century-long history of service, the Y remains committed to addressing both individual and community needs, adapting its programs to ensure accessibility and impact.

By combining fundraising with education and community engagement, the Beach Ball Gala embodies the YMCA’s holistic approach to health and safety. The event not only raises critical funds but also strengthens relationships between community leaders, corporate partners, and the families the Y serves. It highlights the importance of proactive intervention and public awareness in preventing drowning and promoting water safety.

For families across South Florida, these programs can mean the difference between tragedy and safety. Florida’s high rates of child drownings, combined with limited swimming proficiency among many children, make the Y’s initiatives vital. By funding lessons, outreach programs, and educational campaigns, the YMCA ensures that children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn how to swim, understand water safety, and enjoy aquatic environments without unnecessary risk.

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As the YMCA of South Florida prepares for Beach Ball 2025, the organization calls on community members, businesses, and individuals to join in making a difference. Whether through sponsorship, ticket purchases, or spreading awareness, participation in the event translates directly into saved lives and stronger, safer communities. With Florida’s waterways and beaches being central to daily life, ensuring every child and family has the knowledge and skills to stay safe is more important than ever.

The Beach Ball Gala is a testament to the power of collaboration, community investment, and shared purpose. With leadership from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Nicklaus Children’s, and other sponsors, the YMCA is turning the tide on child drownings and equipping South Florida families with the tools to thrive in and around water.

For more information on Beach Ball 2025, including sponsorships and tickets, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball. Sponsorship inquiries and additional questions can be directed to Aimee Fretwell at [email protected] or by calling 954-334-9622, ext. 1045.

Through events like Beach Ball 2025, the YMCA of South Florida continues to make a measurable impact on the community, proving that with awareness, education, and support, countless lives can be saved—and families can enjoy water safely for generations to come.