Photo courtesy POOLCORP/YMCA
Last week, the YMCA of Dallas held a free swim safety course for children at the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff as part of a $94,625 donation from POOLCORP, the world’s leading wholesale distributor of swimming pool equipment, parts and supplies.
The lessons were provided to children who attend Faith Family Academy. The gift supports the Y’s ongoing efforts to eliminate childhood drowning and assist children who otherwise may not have access to swim safety education.
POOLCORP also donated towels, goggles, and sling bags in addition to funding the Y’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program. This is the second year the Dallas YMCA has been part of POOLCORP’s Swimpact program, an initiative designed to help every child discover the joy and skill of swimming through the Y.
“Our mission is to eliminate childhood drowning, but we can’t do it alone,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “It takes the expertise from our incredible aquatics directors, swim instructors and partners like POOLCORP to make an impact. This gift will help us continue our work and provide opportunities for children and teens who need it most.”
According to the CDC, unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4, and drowning is the most common cause of unintentional injury-related death. The Texas Department of Family Protective Services reported that 38 children have died due to accidental drowning this year alone.
In the last year, the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program has taught 5,834 children life-saving skills including how to submerge under water, climb out of the pool independently, front swim, float on their back, front launch and “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab,” which includes jumping into water, pushing off from the bottom, turning to face the wall, grabbing the wall and exiting the pool.
“Swim lessons empower children to learn, grow, and become more confident in the water,” said Jennifer Neil, POOLCORP Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. “Since 2021, we’ve provided more than $4 million in funding to directly support families at the Y. We’re thrilled to be a partner in a program that truly makes a difference.”
This summer, the City of Dallas will be offering free swimming sessions at Kidd Springs Family Aquatic Center and the Jaycee Zaragoza Pool to residents in the 75211 zip code on a first-come, first-serve basis.
