YMCA To Teach All Simi Valley Third Graders Water Safety

Beginning in October, the Southeast Ventura YMCA will provide water safety classes to third graders in the Simi Valley Unified School District.

The YMCA, in partnership with the Simi Valley Unified School District, will offer its Safety Around Water (SAW) program to approximately 900 third-grade students at no charge. Bus transportation is included to and from the Simi Valley Family YMCA’s indoor pool, where the swim program will be held.

Third graders from all 18 Simi Valley elementary schools will take part in the four-day program, Monday through Thursday. In-water and out-of-water safety training is included.

“By the end of the school year, all Simi Valley third graders will have had the opportunity to participate in the program and be safer around water,” says Aly Arsenault, aquatics director for the Simi Valley Family YMCA. “For many of these children, who attend Title 1 schools, this will be their first opportunity to receive formal swim lessons.”

The YMCA is seeking financial support to purchase swimsuits and towels for SAW participants. “We want every student to feel confident and ready to participate,” says Arsenault. “A bathing suit and towel can make the difference.”

To donate, please contact Dani Hutchison, chief development officer for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. For more about SAW, go to https://www.sevymca.org/safety-around-water.