YMCA & KPRC2 Offer FREE Swim Classes June 8

Houston-Area YMCAs will assess children’s swim abilities, offer sample swim lessons

YMCA swim instructor providing swim lessons to a child.

HOUSTON (June 6, 2019)– To help combat drowning, YMCA of Greater Houston will partner with KPRC 2 to host a city-wide FREE Swim Class Event on Saturday June 8 to technically assess children’s swim abilities, offer kids ages three and older a taste of swim lessons at the Y and provide parents with important tools for drowning prevention.

“We find year over year that parents tend to overestimate their children’s swimming abilities,” said YMCA District Vice President Rosemary Lengefeld, “It’s vital to have a child’s skills assessed.”

In Texas, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Of the 91 child drownings in Texas last year, Harris County experienced the most with 10 children losing their lives. So far this year, 20 children have drowned in Texas.

“KPRC2 believes that summer and swimming go hand-in-hand,” says KPRC 2 VP/General Manager Jerry Martin. “We’re proud to work with the YMCA of Greater Houston on this potentially life-saving partnership.”

All Ys in the Greater Houston Area are participating, and parents are encouraged to visit YMCAHouston.org/swim-safe or visit the nearest center to secure a spot. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Swim class times will vary by location.

“We have identified eliminating drowning as one of our strategic initiatives,” Lengefeld said. “We also teach 30,000 children swim lessons annually and find that first and foremost, kids need to work on the basics that will keep them safe when they are in any body of water.”

About the YMCA

First organized in 1886, the YMCA of Greater Houston is one of the city’s leading non-profits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA, a United Way of Greater Houston agency, seeks to serve all – regardless of age, income, faith or background and we welcome everyone. In the greater Houston area, 26 YMCA facilities, one overnight camp and hundreds of program sites nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the city’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in the Houston community, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. To learn more, call 713-659-5566 or visit us on the web at www.ymcahouston.org.