Confidence in the Water. Peace of Mind for Families.

At the Tampa YMCA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe and confident in the water, and thanks to a generous grant from the CDC Foundation, students at Sulphur Springs Elementary are doing just that.

Throughout a six-week session, students traveled to the Central City YMCA twice each week during the school day to participate in swim lessons designed to build essential water safety skills and confidence. By offering lessons during school hours, this program also helps ease the burden on working parents, ensuring every child has access to this life-saving experience.

Additionally, each student was equipped with a swimsuit and towel, removing barriers and making it easy for kids to fully participate and feel prepared.

For Ms. Curry, a longtime YMCA friend who grew up swimming, attending camp and building lifelong memories at the Y in Tennessee, the program is especially meaningful. She proudly supports her students poolside, watching their progress and celebrating their success.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for these kids,” she shared. “Learning to swim, especially in Florida, is a lifesaving skill. We are so thankful to the Y and funders of this program. I truly love watching the kids have fun while learning to be safe in and around water.”

Programs like this are about more than swim lessons; they are about building confidence, creating access and helping kids develop skills that can save their lives. And for these Sulphur Springs students, it is one more way the Y is showing up to support them, in and out of the classroom.