EVERETT, Wash., May 27, 2023 — The YMCA of Snohomish County was selected as one of 35 adult programs from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money in early 2023. The grant award will go toward the Y’s continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons for the Snohomish County community.
“We are honored to be chosen for this grant,” said Tom Wunderlich, Association Director of Aquatics Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “These funds will be used to grow our teen and adult swimming programs, helping us fulfill our mission of equipping every Snohomish County resident with essential swim skills.”
The Y plans to expand its adult learn-to-swim program and offer it at all six Snohomish County locations. The goal is to have robust swim programming for teens and adults across the county, including lessons and the Masters Swim program that is currently running at the Everett Family YMCA. The USA Swimming Foundation partnered with U.S. Masters Swimming to offer this grant with a goal to reduce adult drowning risk through education, financial support, and community outreach.
“We feel privileged to be able to offer affordable, quality swim programs to our community, particularly adults who may feel out of their comfort zone learning a new skill,” said Wunderlich. “The grant money will help reduce barriers and get more people into the pool to learn how to swim.”
The USA Swimming Foundation vetted more than 345 applications through a competitive annual review process and chose 69 youth and 35 adult programs to receive funding.
“The USA Swimming Foundation is thrilled to provide funding to 104 swim lesson providers across 29 states,” said Elaine Calip, Senior Director of Development, USA Swimming Foundation. “Over 14,000 individuals across the country will now have the opportunity to learn the lifesaving skill of water safety. We owe a tremendous thank you to our partners and donors who continue to make a difference in our mission of saving lives.”
The YMCA of Snohomish County is the largest provider of swim lessons and water safety education in the county, serving nearly 10,000 children and adults in its aquatics programs since January 2023.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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