Swim For Jenny Week
YMCA Of South Florida Offers Free Swim Lessons For All

To combat this crisis, the YMCA of South Florida has been a steadfast champion of water safety, leading one of the most comprehensive drowning prevention initiatives in the region. Their annual "Swim for Jenny" Week, a program dedicated to offering free swim lessons, aims to equip individuals of all ages with life-saving skills. This year’s event, generously funded by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, will take place from March 24th - March 28th at multiple YMCA locations, including Fort Lauderdale (L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center), Hallandale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Weston.

A Tragic Inspiration Turned Life-Saving Initiative

The initiative was born from tragedy. In 2011, Jenny, a young girl from South Florida, lost her life to drowning simply because she never had the opportunity to learn how to swim. Devastated by the loss but determined to prevent further tragedies, the YMCA of South Florida launched "Swim for Jenny" in 2013. Since then, the program has reached more than 25,000 people and provided over 100,000 swim lessons, making a tangible impact on water safety in the community.

“Swim for Jenny” is more than just a free swim program; it is a movement towards a safer community. “The need for accessible and affordable swim lessons is greater than ever as drowning remains the leading cause of death for young children,” said YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “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.”

A Community Call to Action

Last year, Florida reported 101 fatal child drownings, with Miami-Dade and Broward counties leading the nation in these heartbreaking statistics. For every child who drowns, seven more receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. The YMCA of South Florida understands that swim education is not a luxury but a necessity, particularly in a region encircled by beaches, lakes and pools.

Through “Swim for Jenny” Week, families have an opportunity to take proactive steps to prevent drownings. The free swim lessons cover essential skills such as floating, treading water, basic strokes and how to safely enter and exit the water. The program welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels, reinforcing the notion that it is never too early—or too late—to learn how to swim.

For parents, this initiative offers peace of mind. “It’s terrifying to think that one misstep near a pool can turn into a tragedy,” says Maria Gomez, a mother of three from Hollywood, Florida, whose children participated in the program last year. “Thanks to ‘Swim for Jenny,’ my kids now have the skills to keep themselves safe in the water. This program is truly life-changing.”

A Partnership in Prevention

The YMCA of South Florida could not carry out this life-saving mission without the generosity of its community partners. Nicklaus Children’s Health System has played a crucial role in making the program a reality by funding “Swim for Jenny,” ensuring that no family is turned away due to financial constraints.

“Children’s health and safety are at the core of what we do,” said a spokesperson for Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Partnering with the YMCA for ‘Swim for Jenny’ aligns perfectly with our mission to protect and support the well-being of our youngest community members. We’re honored to help provide children and families with the tools they need to stay safe in and around the water.”

How to Participate

Registration for free swim lessons through “Swim for Jenny” is now open, and families are encouraged to take advantage of this crucial program. To sign up, visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/swim-for-jenny. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Beyond “Swim for Jenny” Week, the YMCA of South Florida offers year-round swim instruction, drowning prevention courses and lifeguard training to ensure water safety remains a priority throughout the community.

The YMCA’s Commitment to South Florida

For over a century, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of community life in South Florida, providing services that strengthen individuals and families alike. As an award-winning nonprofit organization, the Y operates more than 200 programs designed to enhance the well-being of people of all ages. From state-of-the-art fitness centers to holistic wellness initiatives, summer camps, and after-school care, the YMCA is committed to fostering a healthier, safer and more connected community.

The organization’s dedication to water safety is just one facet of its broader mission to serve and uplift the South Florida community. By expanding access to essential programs like “Swim for Jenny,” the YMCA continues to make a profound difference in the lives of thousands.

By embracing water safety education and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim, South Florida can turn the tide on this crisis. The message is clear: swim lessons save lives. And thanks to “Swim for Jenny,” those lessons are available to everyone.

Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Or: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/