Free Swim School For All Ages Offered In Brockton

BROCKTON, MA — Free swim lessons will be offered to residents of all ages via a state program. The state approved $372,000 in funding for 14 organizations via the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM).

The Old Colony YMCA in Brockton was one of the organizations awarded funding.

Contracts were awarded to organizations whose instructors hold Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification, or industry equivalent, and preference was given to applicants that serve environmental justice communities.

“Every Massachusetts resident deserves access to healthy, fun recreational opportunities,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “Swimming is a life skill, and our residents shouldn’t have to miss out on opportunities to learn to swim because of financial burdens. This funding we are providing to partner organizations helps ensure more residents have an opportunity to take lessons.”

"As a former lifeguard, I know how important it is to provide a fun and safe environment at our beaches and pools, and one of the best ways is ensuring people of all ages know how to swim," said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in a statement. "DCR provides free swim lessons to hundreds of children every year, and the SWIM program helps us expand these lessons to everyone, particularly in environmental justice communities."

For more information, contact the Old Colony YMCA in Brockton.

The DCR also offers free swimming lessons for children from 4 to 12 years old via the Learn to Swim program. Sign-ups for the program are opening in the coming weeks.