Splash into Safety: YMCA of Greensboro Teams Up with POOLCORP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greensboro, N.C., June 15, 2026—The YMCA of Greensboro is helping more children gain confidence and stay safe around water this summer through its Safety Around Water (SAW) program. Made possible through generous support from POOLCORP and in partnership with Greensboro Parks and Recreation, the program provides free swim lessons and water safety education to youth throughout the community.
The YMCA's Safety Around Water program teaches children critical lifesaving skills that can reduce the risk of drowning and help them safely enjoy pools, lakes, beaches, and other aquatic environments. Certified YMCA instructors, primarily from the Bryan Family YMCA branch located in Downtown Greensboro, lead engaging 30-minute lessons focused on essential skills including swim-float-swim, jump-push-turn-grab, safe water entry and exit techniques, and water safety awareness.
"At the Y, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel confident and safe in and around water," said Bethany Williard, Associate Executive Director at Spears Family YMCA and YMCA of Greensboro's Safety Around Water Coordinator. "Through the support of POOLCORP and our partnership with Greensboro Parks and Recreation, we're able to remove financial barriers and provide lifesaving swim instruction to children who may not otherwise have access to these important skills."
According to national data, two children die from drowning every day in the US, making drowning one of the leading causes of accidental death among children. The YMCA's Safety Around Water program is designed to address this critical need by providing accessible instruction to youth who have little or no previous swimming experience. The program teaches more than one million children annually nationwide and helps ensure that cost is not a barrier to water safety education.
Since 2022, the YMCA of Greensboro has had over 3,300 enrollments for Safety Around Water classes, which have benefited youth in Guilford County and Rockingham County. In addition to youth swim lessons, grant funding also supports American Red Cross Lifeguard Training opportunities, helping develop future lifeguards and expanding aquatic career pathways for young adults.
The YMCA of Greensboro believes that learning to swim is a critical life skill that can be learned at any age. Through programs like Safety Around Water, the Y continues its commitment to strengthening the community by providing opportunities for all children to learn, grow, and thrive.
For more information about Safety Around Water or to explore group swim lesson opportunities for your organization, visit ymcagreensboro.org/saw.
Family Impact Stories
Sertonuse, Father: "It means a lot because we travel a lot and we're always around water. We love going to the beach and visiting different pools, so having an opportunity like this for our children to learn how to swim is very important to us. We know how much time we spend around water, and knowing how to swim helps keep them safe."
Wendy, Mother: "These lessons are helping my daughter build confidence and learn that she can be successful in the water without being afraid. When she's with me or her dad, she tends to rely on us for comfort, so this experience is giving her the independence to learn, grow and enjoy being in the water on her own. It's been a huge benefit for our family. We wouldn't have been able to participate without the financial assistance, and we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity."
Robert, Father: "It means a lot because my kids will be safe in the water, and they're water-ready now thanks to these lessons. Having the program available at no cost makes a real difference for our family. Times are hard right now, and this gives our children the opportunity to learn an important life skill that will stay with them for life."
Shay, Mother: "I never really had the chance to complete swim lessons when I was younger, so being able to provide that opportunity for my children means a lot. Programs like this help families give their kids skills and experiences that can make a difference for a lifetime."
2026 YMCA of Greensboro Safety Around Water Lesson Schedule
All lessons are offered free of charge and include age-specific instruction for children ages 3-12. Registration is through the Greensboro Parks and Recreation team. For specific dates and times, please contact Chris Tapler, Aquatics Director at Bryan Family YMCA.
Peeler Pool | 1300 Sykes Ave., Greensboro, NC
Warnersville Pool | 601 Doak St., Greensboro, NC
About the YMCA of Greensboro
The YMCA of Greensboro is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The organization was founded in 1889 with a mission to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Through its seven branches and YMCA Camp Weaver, the YMCA of Greensboro is strengthening the foundations of the community through its wide range of programs and services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. For more information on the YMCA of Greensboro, visit ymcagreensboro.org.