Free swim lessons for children ages 6 months to 12 years begin September 14
ROME AND ONEIDA, NY – The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley is expanding access to swim lessons for local children through New York State’s NY SWIMS initiative, offering free lessons to children ages 6 months to 12 years, beginning September 14.
Through the program, 83 free swim lesson spots will be available per session at both the Rome and Oneida Family YMCA locations. Each child may receive up to three free sessions.
The Rome Family YMCA will also have 15 additional free swim lesson spots available for children in the Rome City School District.
The free lessons are made possible through Governor Kathy Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative, in partnership with the New York State Department of Health, the New York State YMCA Foundation and the State University of New York (SUNY). The initiative aims to expand access to swim instruction and improve water safety for children and families across New York State.
“Swimming is a skill that stays with a child for the rest of their life, and we want to offer that learning opportunity to as many families in our community as we can,” said Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley. “We’re grateful to be part of NY SWIMS and excited to make these lessons available to local families at no cost.”
Current YMCA swim lesson participants may register for the program August 31 through September 13. Any remaining free spots will open to new participants on September 8.
New participants will be required to complete a swim test to determine the appropriate lesson level. Rome will offer registration and swim testing on September 9 and 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At the Oneida branch, open swim testing will be available daily from August 8 through 13.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families interested in participating are encouraged to contact or visit their local YMCA branch in Rome or Oneida for registration information.
For more information about the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s swim lessons and additional programs, please visit ymcatrivalley.org.
About the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley serves the greater Rome, Oneida and Whitesboro areas with programs and services for the whole family. We are a 501c3 charitable non-profit organization with two primary branches in Rome and Oneida and school-age childcare in the Whitesboro area. The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
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