YMCA of Bucks County has expanded its 2nd Grade Swim Initiative (2GI) program to include testing for any child who is past first grade and still cannot swim.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Bucks County Orthodontics and Jackson’s Heroes 5K Foundation are partnering with YMCA of Bucks County to expand the program to benefit all children in Bucks County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains the leading cause of death in young children and knowing how to swim and be safe around water is an important skill for youth.
The expanded program provides in-water testing where students are evaluated in alignment with the Y-USA “Safety Around Water” rubric. Youth qualify for further programming based on their ability to enter the pool, tread water and pull themselves into a floating position as well as using their arms for forward motion to get them safely to the wall.
Collectively, the organizations are distributing a swim safety flyer in both English and Spanish and offering free swim lessons to children who qualify. The program runs through Nov. 30, with lessons provided at the Y’s Doylestown, Fairless Hills and Quakertown branches.
For information on the program or to register, visit
ymcabucks.org/2GI.
