This summer, the YMCA of Central Florida and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida are partnering to provide free swim safety lessons to children experiencing homelessness.
Through the Safety Around Water initiative, 20 kids between the ages of 5 and 12 are learning vital water safety and swimming skills during an eight-week course held every Monday from 10–11 a.m. at the Downtown Orlando YMCA. The program, now in its fourth year, equips each child with free swim gear and builds not only safety knowledge but also confidence and connection.
“Every child deserves access to life-saving water safety education,” said Kevin Bolding, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida.
“This partnership with the YMCA is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our community,” said Natasha Yeung, Youth Program Supervisor at the Coalition. “Access to activities like swimming can make a significant difference in their lives, providing not just physical benefits but also emotional and social ones.”
In a state like Florida, where water is everywhere, knowing how to swim is more than just a skill. It’s a matter of safety. Programs like this help ensure that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the chance to stay safe, active, and supported.