Breaking Barriers to Water Safety: 2025 Youth Learn-to-Swim Expansion with the USA Swimming Foundation
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles (LA Y) is proud to continue its vital partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation, bringing life-saving swim instruction to youth across Los Angeles County. In 2025, thanks to a Youth Learn-to-Swim grant, LA Y will provide reduced-cost swimming lessons to 100 children from communities where access to aquatics programs remains critically low and drowning risks are disproportionately high.
This year’s funding supports a short-term but high-impact initiative running during the summer and fall seasons—timed to meet families when demand and need are greatest. Lessons will be delivered at seven strategically chosen YMCA centers: Anderson Munger Family YMCA, Ann & Steve Hinchliffe San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, Crenshaw Family YMCA, East Valley Family YMCA, Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, Torrance-South Bay YMCA, and Wilmington YMCA. These locations serve neighborhoods facing both economic hardship and limited access to affordable aquatic programs.
The initiative directly targets the equity gap in water safety education. Families pay just $50 for a program that would typically cost $250 or more, thanks in part to the USA Swimming Foundation’s generous support. Each child will receive a minimum of four hours of in-water instruction, led by certified swim instructors at a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Lessons focus on foundational swimming skills, confidence-building, and comprehensive water safety education—empowering kids to stay safe and thrive in aquatic environments.
According to the CDC, drowning rates among children ages 1 to 4 have significantly increased since the pandemic – up to 28% higher in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2019. LA Y’s Youth Learn-to-Swim initiative confronts this preventable tragedy head-on. By eliminating financial barriers and embedding culturally responsive instruction in trusted community spaces, we’re not only teaching kids how to swim—we’re saving lives, promoting fitness, and building trust that ripples throughout the community.
Though the 2025 initiative is time-bound, its impact is enduring. Children gain skills that last a lifetime, and families gain peace of mind. These young swimmers will go on to become ambassadors of safety, confidence, and strength in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
Join Us in Expanding Access and Saving Lives
We’re honored to be part of the USA Swimming Foundation’s national network of lesson providers committed to water safety and inclusion. As we continue to grow this program, we welcome community members, funders, and partners to join us.
To learn more about how you can support this initiative or enroll your child in lessons, please visit www.ymcala.org or contact our Director of Aquatics, Harry Van, at HarryVan@ymcala.org or 213-380-6448.
Together, we’re building a safer, stronger Los Angeles—one swimmer at a time.
