Swim For Jenny Week: South Florida Water Safety And Drowning Prevention Program Kicks Off

According to The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children but while they are at the highest risk, anyone can drown. Florida still leads the nation in child drownings of all ages with Broward and Miami-Dade Counties having the most drowning deaths in the state.

In total, 64% of African American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability and for every child who loses their life to drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. It has been reported that formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. That’s why it is crucial for parents and caregivers to encourage young children to participate in Water Safety Education And Drowning Prevention Programs.

Sign Up For FREE Swim Lessons
In preparation for the onset of warmer weather, participating YMCA Of South Florida Locations are hosting “Swim For Jenny Week,” five days of FREE Swim Lessons and Water Safety Instruction to children and adults of all ages from Monday, March 20th, 2023 to Friday, March 24th, 2023. During the year, 11,000 children and adults are taught Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Techniques at the YMCA Of South Florida.

Since the lack of proper attire can also be a hindrance to kids learning to swim, the Y will also be accepting swim suit donations through their Annual Swimsuit Drive at all YMCA Of South Florida Locations, in an effort to provide additional support during “Swim For Jenny Week.”

Registration for “Swim For Jenny Week” is available by phone at: (954) 334-9622 or in person at any of the following participating YMCA Locations:

• Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center 3161 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

• Hallandale Beach YMCA Family Center 501 Southeast 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009.

• Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center 501 Southwest 172nd Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33027.

• Pembroke Pines Aquatic & Program Center 1361 Northwest 129th Avenue, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33028.

Named after Jenny, a one-of-a-kind child who was energetic, beautiful and blessed with a loving family but lost her life because she did not know how to swim, “Swim For Jenny Week” seeks to strengthen local communities, impacting the lives of thousands by teaching Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Techniques.

The Y is hosting kickoff events at select locations including at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, located at 1409 Northwest 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 and at the Weston YMCA Family Center located at 20201 Saddle Club Road, Weston, Florida 33327 on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Annual YMCA Beach Ball set for Saturday, October 14th, 2023 will once again raise funds for water safety education and drowning prevention programs. As the date gets closer, visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/events

Lesson times may vary by location and the complete schedule for all locations can be found HERE and for more information, visit: www.ymcasouthflorida.org/event/swim-for-jenny-week

About the YMCA Of South Florida
The Y is a leading NonProfit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day, the Y works hard to build healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities through over 200 afterschool, preschool, special needs, sports, camp and youth programs, family centers, and senior health outreach sites. For more information, to connect on Facebook, Twitter or call a Y near you, visit: www.ymcasouthflorida.org