Partnership Launches Learn to Swim Program

Published on February 24, 2022

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas have officially launched the Learn to Swim program to bring opportunities to youth to learn basic swimming skills. The pilot program will run through Fall 2022 and serve approximately 400 students from KCKPS through after school swim lessons. This is a free program, funded by a grant from Warner Media, and the community partners hope to grow this into a self-sustaining, permanent program. 

KCKPS Superintendent, Dr. Anna Stubblefield, stated at the kick-off event on February 23, 2022 that 70% of African American children do not know how to swim. That number is 62% among Hispanic children and 40% among Caucasian children. Not only will this program bring important, life-saving skills to community youth but help us build a pipeline of future lifeguard talent. 

"The Learn to Swim pilot program is just the beginning of how we can work together as community partners to address disadvantages such as access to swimming and water safety classes in our community," said Angel Obert, Director of Parks & Recreation. "We’re excited to see this program continue to grow and all the youth that will be positively impacted from this initiative."

Learn more about the Learn to Swim Program