Grant supports efforts to offer free or reduced-cost swim lessons

The Raritan Valley YMCA’s Aquatics Department was chosen as one of 69 youth programs from the USA Swimming Foundation’s nationwide network of swim lesson providers to receive grant money for it’s 2025 swim program. The grant award will go toward the YMCA’s continued efforts to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons. The USA Swimming Foundation has awarded a total of $647,522 to programs across the country.

“We are thrilled to be chosen for this grant,” YMCA Executive Director, Gina Stravic said. “The money we received will be put toward our year-end goal of providing swim instruction to 75 children who come from families that live within the federal poverty guidelines.” “With our community-based programming, the Y is teaching over 1600 people to swim annually and maintains a swim team of 250 youth ages 6-18, reported Brian Rose, Senior Aquatics Director.” The Raritan Valley YMCA maintains a strong commitment to water safety and runs multiple public information workshops at within its swim programs, camps, and at local libraries each spring and summer.

“The USA Swimming Foundation is thrilled to provide funding to 104 swim lesson providers across 29 states,” USA Swimming Foundation Senior Director of Development Elaine Calip said. “Over 14,000 individuals will now have the opportunity to learn the lifesaving skill of water safety across the country. We owe a tremendous thank you to our partners and donors who continue to make a difference in our mission of saving lives and building champions.”

Millions of individuals have received the lifesaving gift of swim lessons through the USA Swimming Foundation’s network of swim lesson providers, comprised of more than 1,500 qualified swim lesson providers across the nation. To learn more, visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation.

Click here for a full list of 2025 USA Swimming Foundation grant recipients. Click here to donate to the Foundation.

For more information on the Raritan Valley YMCA aquatics programs visit Raritan Valley YMCA