News Summary
The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has partnered with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA to enhance water safety education. This initiative includes a free ‘learn to swim’ program for second graders across 11 school districts, aimed at preventing drowning incidents. Children who complete the program will receive free tickets to the parks. The effort is a response to recent water emergencies and emphasizes the importance of supervision and proper flotation devices.
Williamsburg, Virginia – The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has announced an important partnership with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA aimed at promoting water safety education in the region. The collaboration seeks to reduce drowning incidents among children, a pressing concern highlighted by recent water emergencies in the area involving young children.
Central to this initiative is the “2nd grade learn to swim” program, which will offer free water safety lessons to second graders across 11 local school districts. Each child who completes the program will receive a complimentary ticket to either Busch Gardens or Water Country USA. This effort reflects a broader push to instill critical swimming and safety skills in young children, which can ultimately save lives.
Recent incidents in Chesapeake, Virginia, have underscored the urgency of this initiative. In one case, a 3-year-old boy was rescued after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool and managed to survive. Unfortunately, a 3-year-old girl in the area was not as fortunate, as she died after being found in medical distress at Oak Grove Lake Park. These incidents are currently under investigation, prompting community leaders to take action to prevent future tragedies.
The partnership will also see promotional signs about water safety displayed at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. These signs promote awareness among families visiting the parks, encouraging vigilance with messages like “phones down, eyes up.” Parents will be reminded of critical points regarding water safety, such as the necessity of supervising children at all times and the importance of proper flotation devices like life jackets for non-swimmers.
Every child participating in the new “learn to swim” program will not only gain valuable skills but also be incentivized with free admission tickets to popular local attractions. This approach not only enhances awareness around water safety but also makes swimming lessons more accessible to families in the Virginia area.
The YMCA plays a vital role beyond just the second-grade program, offering swim lessons for children as young as 6 months old. This comprehensive approach to swim education expands the opportunity for families to equip their children with essential skills necessary for safe aquatic activity.
The partnership between the YMCA, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA reflects a unified commitment to enhancing water safety and education in the community. With thoughtful programming and engagement, organizers hope to increase awareness and ultimately prevent drowning incidents in the Virginia area. A solid focus will be placed on teaching children life-saving techniques and encouraging families to remain alert in aquatic environments.
As aquatic safety becomes increasingly crucial alongside the rise of water-related attractions, this initiative brings attention to the need for proactive education. By providing necessary resources and hands-on training, community leaders aim to ensure the safety and well-being of children, making every swim a safer experience.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas Water Safety
- 13 News Now: New Water Safety Partnership
- Post and Courier: Williamsburg County YMCA Swim Safety
- Virginia Mercury: Boil Water Advisory in Henrico
- WTKR: Chesapeake YMCA Swimming Lesson
- Wikipedia: Water Safety
- Google Search: Water Safety Education
- Google Scholar: Water Safety Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming Safety
- Google News: Water Safety
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
