It has been determined that each year after third grade, the fear of water increases and the ability to learn to swim decreases. But for the last few years, hundreds of kids on the SouthCoast have been taught how to swim for free through the YMCA's Third Grade Swim Program.

As part of an effort to keep all children safe in and around the water, especially in our coastal community, the YMCA Southcoast has been providing free swimming lessons to more than 300 students in New Bedford and Wareham. They've taught more than 2,000 third-graders how to swim over the past seven years, and with the help of Coastal New England Federal Credit UnionClearwater Pools & Spas, Cottage Street Motors, and our community, we are going to help keep this program afloat for another year.

Third graders visit their local YMCA Wareham or YMCA New Bedford Pool during their academic day so barriers like transportation or finances don’t keep kids from learning crucial, life-saving water safety skills.

Our goal is to help raise the money necessary to keep this program going, covering the cost of lifeguards, swim instructors, transportation, bathing suits, and even swim towels for each student enrolled in both Wareham and New Bedford for the school year.

Make a splash, become a lifesaver, and donate today! There are three ways you can do so:

  • Text GIVEYSC to 243725
  • Make a check payable to YMCA Southcoast with SWIM in the memo, and mail it to 128 Union Street, Suite 304, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740.
  • Donate at the link below

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