YMCA of Central Florida Offers Free Swimming Lessons to Homeless

In an initiative aimed at enhancing child safety and well-being, the YMCA and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida have partnered to offer free water safety summer classes to youth experiencing homelessness. This collaboration, now in its fourth year, underscores a shared commitment to providing life-saving skills and fostering confidence in at-risk children. 

Through the “Safety Around Water” program, 20 children between the ages of five and 12 are currently participating in an eight-week course held every Monday at the Downtown Orlando YMCA. These lessons are designed to equip participants with crucial water safety knowledge and swimming abilities. Beyond the practical skills, the program also provides each child with free swim gear, helping build their safety knowledge but also self-assurance.

Kevin Bolding, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida, emphasized the importance of the program in a press release, saying, “Every child deserves access to life-saving water safety education.” 

Natasha Yeung, Youth Program Supervisor at the Coalition, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact: “This partnership with the YMCA is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our community. Access to activities like swimming can make a significant difference in their lives, providing not just physical benefits but also emotional and social ones.” 

As a leading 501c(3) nonprofit, the YMCA of Central Florida is driven by its Christian mission to strengthen communities across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Marion Counties. They empower individuals from all backgrounds by ensuring access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to grow. 

In a state like Florida, where bodies of water are common, the ability to swim is more than just a  skill- it is a critical safety measure. Programs such as this ensure all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to learn, stay safe, and thrive. By the end of this summer, the YMCA of Central Florida will have provided water safety instruction to over 80 children from the Coalition for the Homeless since the partnership began in the summer of 2022. 

Feel free to check out the Central Florida YMCA website to sign up for classes this summer.