We believe learning to swim can save lives.
The YMCA of the Triangle launched Swim for Life in March 2011 in response to reports that minority children and teens had high drowning rates, and some 70% of African-American kids did not know how to swim.
We believe swimming is a life skill and all children and adults should have access to water safety classes and basic swim lessons.
Swim for Life offers free swim lessons for children and adults based on income qualifications, and the program is funded through the YMCA's Annual Campaign.
Swim for Life classes are held periodically throughout the year at YMCA branches and serve children and families who are part of our Camp Excel, Y Learning and community-supported programs.
Upcoming Sessions
Registration for Swim For Life programs are held at YMCA locations.
A.E. Finley YMCA
March 30 - April 2 (Spring Break)
Daily, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
April 28 - May 14
Alexander Family YMCA
March 23-26
Monday-Thursday : 6 - 8 p.m.
Southeast Raleigh YMCA
April 28 - May 7
Tuesday - Thursday, 5 - 6:45 p.m.
Taylor Family YMCA
April 7 - 23
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:15 - 9 p.m. (40-minute sessions)
Volunteer
To make Swim for Life possible, we rely on volunteers from our community. It's not necessary to be a swimming professional, we just ask that volunteers are comfortable in the water and have some swimming experience. There are also opportunities to cheer on participants and help with check-in. All volunteers will receive a brief training from Y staff before the sessions start.
A.E. Finley YMCA: Contact Linda Singh
Alexander Family YMCA: Volunteer
Southeast Raleigh YMCA: Contact Waleska Brown
Taylor Family YMCA: Volunteer
Swim for Life Contacts
A.E. Finley YMCA, Linda Singh
Alexander Family YMCA, Finley Baldwin
Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA, Jonathan Sasser
Durham YMCAs, Stanley Bass
Ingram Family YMCA, Christopher McLaughlin
Northwest Cary YMCA, Shane Tillett
Poole Family YMCA, Jaime Jewett
Taylor Family YMCA, AnnaMaria Galardi