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

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Courtesy of YMCA of South Florida

YMCA Swim for Jenny

With Florida leading the nation in childhood drownings, the YMCA of South Florida reaffirms its commitment to water safety and drowning prevention through its signature event, “Swim for Jenny.” This week-long program offers free swim lessons to children and adults of all ages across South Florida, aiming to mitigate the risk of drowning and foster a culture of aquatic safety.

This year, “Swim for Jenny” will be held March 25-29 at YMCA of South Florida locations in Fort Lauderdale (L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center), Hallandale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Weston.

Registration for “Swim for Jenny” week is available online at ymcasouthflorida.org/swimforjenny, by phone at 954-334-9622, or in person at any of the following participating 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

• Pembroke Pines Aquatic & Program Center - 1361 NW 129 Avenue, Pembroke Pines

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

Last year alone, 97 fatal drownings were reported in Florida. For every fatal drowning, five more nonfatal drownings require hospitalization and medical support, often leaving long-term impacts on victims.

The event started in 2013 and honors the memory of a young girl named Jenny, who drowned in 2011 because she didn’t know how to swim. Since the inception of “Swim for Jenny,” more than 18,000 people have participated with more than 150,000 swim lessons provided.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children 1-4 years old, underscoring the urgent need for accessible swim instruction. South Florida is surrounded by water, and swim lessons are the difference between life and death. Formal swim lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%.