PROVIDENCE, RI – The East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA held Safety Around Water Day in recognition of Water Safety Month. The event included opportunities for attendees to participate in water and land-based training sessions on water safety. The program equips kids and their families with critical life skills that encourage safety and help them to be confident in and around water.
The Y introduced the country to group swim lessons over 110 years ago in 1909. Now, as one of the largest community-based organizations in the country, they teach more than a million children, especially those most at risk of drowning, invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year.
“As I visit our branches and meet more and more members, I often hear that for many of them, swimming was what introduced them to the Greater Providence Y community,” said Karen Santilli, CEO, Greater Providence YMCA. “Our Association is proud to be a state leader in promoting accessible swim programming that promotes safety and healthy childhood development. Thank you to our supporters, especially Senator Jack Reed, Stages of Freedom, the Papitto Foundation, and Bank Newport, for sponsoring these critical services.”
3 in 10 parents report not prioritizing swim lessons or water safety with their child due to cost. This year, the Greater Providence Y is proud to offer this event free to the public with the support of Bank Newport.
About the Greater Providence YMCA
GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. The organization provides programs for Rhode Islanders and Massachusetts residents of all ages and supports equitable access to health, fitness, recreational, and other services. In addition, GPYMCA supports high-quality out-of-school time programs and other community-based approaches to delivering health and wellness opportunities, academic enrichment and achievement, and youth development skills.
###
Media Contact
Hillary Lima (Half Street Group)
hillary@halfstreetgroup.com | 401.585.4286
