News Summary
The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has formed a partnership with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA aimed at preventing drowning incidents in the community. This collaboration will support the Second Grade Learn to Swim program, offering free water safety lessons to children across eleven school systems. To encourage participation, all children completing the program will receive a complimentary ticket to either park for 2025. This initiative not only promotes safety but also fosters community engagement and awareness of water safety education.
Williamsburg, Virginia – The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has officially partnered with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA to take a significant step toward drowning prevention in the community. This collaboration aims to enhance water safety education and provide vital resources intended to prevent incidents of drowning, especially among young children.
As the designated drowning prevention sponsor, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA will support the YMCA’s Second Grade Learn to Swim program, which focuses on teaching essential water safety skills to students. This initiative will provide free water safety lessons to second graders in 11 different school systems across the Virginia Peninsulas. Participating school systems include Newport News, as well as the counties of Mathews, Middlesex, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster, and Isle of Wight public schools.
In an effort to incentivize participation, every child who successfully completes the learn-to-swim program this year will receive a complimentary single-day ticket to either Busch Gardens or Water Country USA for the year 2025. This initiative not only promotes water safety but also encourages local children and families to engage with their community’s recreational offerings.
To further amplify the YMCA’s outreach, water safety tips will be prominently displayed throughout Water Country USA during the current season. This exposure aims to foster a greater awareness of water safety and prevention tactics among park visitors, extending the educational message beyond the classroom.
The collaboration between the YMCA and local amusement parks underscores a joint commitment to community safety and well-being. By addressing the pressing issue of drowning through education and accessible resources, the partnership seeks to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives and bolster safety measures in the region.
Each year, drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among children, prompting organizations like the YMCA to initiate programs aimed at mitigating these tragedies. With the support of community partners such as Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, the YMCA’s efforts are expected to significantly enhance drowning prevention initiatives.
Kevin Lembke, the Park President of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA, conveyed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the amusement parks’ commitment to the safety and well-being of the community. Adam Klutts, the President and CEO of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, also acknowledged the important role that this partnership will play in boosting drowning prevention measures.
This project aligns with the YMCA’s broader mission to foster healthy living and social responsibility within the communities they serve. By providing children with vital swimming skills and education about water safety, the YMCA aims to equip them with the knowledge necessary to stay safe around water.
For residents and families seeking additional information on drowning prevention programs and resources, they are encouraged to visit the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ official website, ymcavp.org. The collaborative effort will continue to evolve as the organizations work together to promote safety, education, and community engagement for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas News
- Los Angeles Times: Around Town
- 13 News Now: Newport News Toddler Incident
- Patch: Drowning Prevention in Southern California
- GoLocalProv: Kayaking Incident in Newport
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.
