Underserved Kids To Learn To Swim At Y Thanks To Corporate Donation

LARGO, FL — With the help of a $54,000 donation from Poolcorp, the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA will be able to host its Splash of Joy water safety and lifeguard training program in underserved communities.

Poolcorp representatives presented the donation on Monday for the second year.

Each year, the Suncoast YMCA provides swim lessons to 100 children throughout Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. The donated funds will provide lifeguard training scholarships and 100 Safety Around Water lessons for deserving children in these communities.

“We are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work,” said Jennifer Neil, Poolcorp’s vice present and chief legal officer.

“For children, learning to swim is a way to boost confidence and help pave the way for a better, happier future, and we are proud to support that pathway in every way possible,” Neil said.

“As an organization and a leader in the swimming pool industry, we believe that everyone should know how to swim,” said Kendall Large, PoolCorps's vice president of strategic marketing.

“And at the center of our program is an unwavering commitment to reach children who are furthest from this opportunity,” she said.

Poolcorp is a leading wholesale distributor of swimming pool equipment, parts and supplies, and related outdoor living products.

From the inception of the Splash of Joy program in 2021 through the opening of swim season in 2023, Poolcorp has donated more than $3 million to YMCAs throughout the country.

Tiffany Brown, executive director of the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA, 1801 119th St. N, Largo, was on hand to accept the gift.

“We are excited to be able to offer swim lesson scholarships thanks to Poolcorp. Swim lessons are crucial for any child, any age, especially in the underserved Ridgecrest community," Brown said. "Not only do swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning and improve water safety skills, swimming is a fun way to stay active and encourage healthy living from an early age. Our goal is to create a love and respect for water early on, while building confidence that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It's never too late to learn to swim here at the Y.”