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.
USA Swimming Foundation awarded the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles $12,000 in February 2026 through the USA Swimming Foundation 2026 Youth Learn To Swim Grant Application. These grant funds will reduce registration costs for an estimated 48 children ages 3 to 18 across Los Angeles who would not otherwise be able to participate.
In many of the communities we serve, the cost of lessons prevents families from enrolling their children. As a result, far too many youth grow up without basic water safety knowledge. This is especially concerning in Los Angeles County, where drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 14 (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health 2024). Nationally, children in low income households and communities of color face significantly higher drowning risks due to limited access to safe swim instruction (CDC 2024).
Grant funds will directly subsidize enrollment, allowing families to access a minimum of four hours per month of in-water instruction taught by certified swim instructors. Lessons are delivered in small groups with a six-to-one, student-to-instructor ratio and include both skills development and safety education. The lessons are spilt into the participants skill level and comfortability. For the twice a week program, they will receive 8 lessons at 30 minutes each for a total of 4 hours of instruction. Curriculum includes basic strokes, floating, and water entry/exit skills, as well as essential water safety education.
Our swim program’s legacy extends beyond the duration of the lessons, as youth gain a life-saving skill that improves confidence, and opens the door to new opportunities to be involved at the LA Y and their communities. The LA Y is committed to advancing water safety education and is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the USA Swimming Foundation in achieving this shared goal.
Join Us in Making a Difference
With partners like the USA Swimming Foundation, we are creating a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community. To learn more about our swimming programs and how you can get involved or support our mission, please visit ymcaLA.org/swim. Your support helps us provide these crucial services to more children in our community.
For additional information or to become part of this vital community initiative, please contact our Director of Aquatics, Harry Van, at HarryVan@ymcaLA.org or call us at 213-380-6448.
