Detroit Swims was started by lifeguards at our Boll Family YMCA with the goal to ensure that every child in Metro Detroit has the opportunity to learn to swim.
The Need: Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children 14 years and younger. We also know that over 79% of children in low-income families have little to no swimming ability and, in addition, research shows that 64% of African-America, 45% of Hispanic/ Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability.
The Solution: The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit created Detroit Swims to help change the narrative. We work with schools and community pools in the Metro Detroit area to ensure that all children regardless of barriers learn valuable life-saving skills. We eliminate every barrier that there is to learning to swim: we provide swim wear, towels, transportation, certified lifeguards and swim instructors, and all the encouragement a child needs to master a new skill.
The Goal: To annually raise $150,000 to teach 1,500 kids to swim and be safe around water. We've already taught almost 7,000 children to date - No child should fear the water. $100 helps keep a child safe for life. Find out more at our website or Facebook page!
