Swimming Saves Lives
Launched in 2011, Swim for Life provides children with life‑saving water skills and greater confidence in and out of the pool. The program offers free swim lessons for children and adults who qualify based on income, funded entirely through the YMCA Annual Campaign, grants and corporate donors.
Swim for Life sessions are offered throughout the year at YMCA branches and primarily serve children and families participating in Camp Excel, Y Learning and other community‑supported programs.
Session
Information
In 2026, Swim for Life provided life-saving swim instruction to 510 participants ages 4 to 69 across eight YMCA and Camp Excel locations, including three sites fully supported by Delta Air Lines. The program was powered by more than 60 teen and adult volunteers, helping expand access to water safety education and build confidence in and around the water.
Information for 2027 sessions and volunteer opportunities will be available in March.
Delta Air Lines
Since 2023, annual support from Delta Air Lines has enabled the Y to bring Swim for Life to more children and families across our region. Their partnership helps us reach communities where water‑safety education is needed most, ensuring more kids learn life‑saving skills and gain confidence in and around the water. Swim for Life sites at the A.E. Finley YMCA, Southeast Raleigh YMCA and Taylor Family YMCA are generously supported by Delta.
Traditional Lesson Options
Still exploring swim lessons? We offer traditional lessons across the Triangle.
Stroke School
An advanced swim instruction series for youth interested in stroke proficiency for swim teams or lifeguarding.
Swimming Benefits
Build muscle, learn a skill, gain confidence and be safe.
Confidence
Whenever a child learns and masters a new skill, they become more confident. Plus, learning to swim makes YMCA Day Camp even more fun!
Safety and Peace of Mind
When your child knows how to swim, they are safer in and around water. Whether at the local pool or on a boat, learning how to swim and stay safe around water brings peace of mind.
Health and Fitness
Swimming is one of the best workouts you can get. Swimmers use their entire bodies during workouts and build lean muscle.
Aquatics Directors
A.E. Finley YMCA, Linda Singh
Alexander Family YMCA, Finley Baldwin
Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA and YMCA at Meadowmont, Daniel Parks
Downtown Durham and Hope Valley Farms YMCAs, Stanley Bass
East Triangle YMCA, David Huie
Ingram Family YMCA & Chatham Park YMCA, Max Turner
Kerr Family YMCA, Antoinette Pujol
Kraft Family YMCA, Madison Temple
Northwest Cary YMCA, Jennifer Jacobus
Poole Family YMCA, Jaime Jewett
Southeast Raleigh YMCA, Waleska Brown
Taylor Family YMCA: AnnaMaria Galardi