THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN TO RECEIVE FREE SWIM INSTRUCTIONS TO PREPARE FOR SUMMER AND PREVENT POTENTIAL TRAGEDY

YMCA of Central Florida launches Safety Around Water week through April 28

WHAT:
To combat the rising number of drowning deaths in children, the YMCA of Central Florida is
launching its Safety Around Water week today through April 28, providing 10,000 free swim lessons to children ages 4 to 12.

Swim instruction will be provided to children at 20 YMCA Family Centers across Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Seminole, Lake and Marion counties. Certified Y swim instructors will teach children basic stroke development, personal safety lessons, and critical water survival skills.

YMCA Vice President of Aquatics and a three-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Rowdy Gaines is leading the initiative and will be available for interviews at the Lake Nona YMCA.

WHY:
Florida has the highest rate of childhood drowning incidents in the U.S., according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.

WHEN:
Media Demonstration
April 25
4 to 7 p.m.

Swim lessons provided at 20 Family Centers throughout Central Florida
April 25 to April 28
5 to 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Media Demonstration
Lake Nona YMCA
9055 NorthLake Pkwy.
Orlando, FL 32827
407.852.3520

20 Family Centers throughout Central Florida
YMCA of Central Florida locations: http://ymcacentralflorida.com/y-locations/

CONTACT:
Mary Hillyer Peelen
407.617.0604
MH.Peelen@andbarr.co