Bloomington-Normal YMCA Partners with Sheridan Elementary to Offer Swim Safety
The Bloomington-Normal YMCA and Sheridan Elementary School are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership that will benefit the youth in our community. Beginning on Monday, October 16, 2023, the YMCA is providing free swim lessons to students at Sheridan Elementary, aiming to promote water safety, physical fitness, and overall well-being. The partnership coincides with the pool and water slide expansion underway at O’Neil Park.
The partnership between the Y and Sheridan Elementary represents a significant step toward ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to learn how to swim, a life-saving skill that can open doors to a lifetime of aquatic enjoyment and fitness. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages 1 to 14.
“We are delighted to partner with Sheridan Elementary to provide this vital skill to our young community members,” said B.J. Wilken, Chief Executive Officer of the Bloomington-Normal YMCA. “Water safety is a crucial life skill, and we are committed to making it accessible to all children in our community. Together with Sheridan Elementary, we aim to empower our youth to be confident and safe in and around the water.”
Sheridan Elementary Principal, Danel Behrends-Harr, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to offer our students this unique opportunity to learn to swim in a structured and nurturing environment. Not only will this partnership enhance their safety, but it will also contribute to their overall physical and emotional wellness.”
The Lifeguard Store has been a crucial component in getting these Sheridan Sharks ready to swim by providing supplies such as swimsuits, goggles, swim caps, and towels.
The Y and Sheridan Elementary are working together to ensure that transportation to and from the YMCA facility is convenient for all students, making it accessible for families.
This partnership exemplifies the commitment of both organizations to the well-being of our community’s children, fostering a safer and healthier future. It is the hope of the Bloomington-Normal YMCA and Sheridan Elementary that this initiative will serve as a model for similar collaborations moving forward.