YMCA Buffalo Niagara: Free swim lessons through NY Swims initiative

Press release 

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is offering 1,500 free swim classes to kids throughout Western New York, thanks to a new grant from the statewide NY SWIMS initiative. Through this effort, the Y is providing free swim lessons and water safety education to Western New York children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Made possible through a $150,000 grant by the New York State Department of Health, the initiative supports YMCA Buffalo Niagara in providing free, age-appropriate swim lessons to children ages 6 months through 12 years, reducing financial barriers and expanding access to high-quality water safety instruction for Western New York families.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of injury-related death among children, and access to swim lessons play a critical role in prevention. With the NY SWIMS initiative, the YMCA aims to help thousands of children and families gain confidence in and around the water, while developing lifelong water safety skills.

“Preventing drownings is a core part of YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s commitment to our community,” said Vincent Riddle, vice president of aquatics for YMCA Buffalo Niagara. “These swim lessons help children develop lifelong skills and confidence they need to be safe in and around the water.

For more than 174 years, the YMCA has been strengthening the Western New York community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. YMCA Buffalo Niagara is continuing that commitment by helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim.

Families interested in participating can stop by any of YMCA Buffalo Niagara's five locations or visit www.YMCABN.org to learn more about swim lesson availability and registration.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA's focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered to all ages and abilities. A nonprofit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves 1 in 12 people annually through five membership branches and four camps throughout Western New York, as well as at over 40 community-based program sites. For more information, visit www.YMCABN.org.