YMCA of South Florida’s “Swim for Jenny” Week 2025

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YMCA of South Florida

YMCA of South Florida’s “Swim for Jenny” Week 2025

Florida continues to own a devastating statistic when it comes to childhood drownings. The Sunshine State has the highest rate of drowning in the nation for those under 18 years old, more than double the next closest states of Texas and Arizona.

To counter those statistics, the YMCA of South Florida, which has one of the most comprehensive water safety and drowning prevention programs, highlights the importance of swim lessons with its annual “Swim for Jenny,” a week-long initiative providing free swim lessons to individuals of all ages throughout South Florida, with the goal of reducing the risk of drowning and promoting a culture of aquatic safety in local communities.

Generously underwritten by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, this year’s Swim for Jenny is set for March 24-28 at the following YMCA locations:

• L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center - 1409 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale

• Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center - 3161 Taft Street, Hollywood

• Hallandale Beach YMCA Family Center - 501 SE 1 Avenue, Hallandale Beach

• Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center - 501 SW 172 Avenue, Pembroke Pines

• Weston YMCA Family Center - 20201 Saddle Club Rd, Weston

Launched in 2013, “Swim for Jenny” is named after a young girl who drowned two years prior because she couldn’t swim. Since the initiative was implemented, more than 25,000 people have taken part, and more than 100,000 swim lessons have been provided.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties lead the nation in child drownings, and last year alone, 101 child fatal drownings were reported in Florida. For every child who dies from drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

To register for free swim lessons through “Swim for Jenny”, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/swim-for-jenny or call 954-334-9622.