Big Dreams Through Small Steps, YMCA of Southwest Florida Partner to Expand Swim Lessons Through AQUAlibrium Program
Big Dreams Through Small Steps and the YMCA of Southwest Florida have announced a new partnership to expand access to swim lessons for children across Manatee and Sarasota counties through the nonprofit’s AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program.
The partnership brings together two nonprofit organizations with a shared commitment to strengthening the community and improving the lives of children and families. Big Dreams Through Small Steps works to empower children and families through education, safety, opportunity and community engagement, while the YMCA of Southwest Florida is dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Through the partnership, the YMCA of Southwest Florida will provide swim instruction at multiple locations, helping more children gain the water safety knowledge and swimming skills needed to reduce the risk of drowning.
The AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program was created to remove financial barriers that prevent families from enrolling their children in swim lessons. The program provides free swim lesson scholarships, giving children the opportunity to develop life-saving water survival skills and confidence in and around the water.
Florida continues to experience one of the nation’s highest rates of child drownings, making access to quality swim instruction a critical component of water safety. By combining the YMCA’s longstanding expertise in aquatic education with Big Dreams Through Small Steps’ commitment to expanding access to underserved families, the partnership aims to help more children become safer around water while promoting lifelong healthy habits.
Families participating in the AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program will have access to swim lessons at the following YMCA of Southwest Florida facilities with aquatic programs:
Bradenton YMCA – Bradenton
Lakewood Ranch YMCA – Bradenton
Sarasota City YMCA – Sarasota
Palmer Ranch YMCA – Sarasota
Leaders from both organizations say the collaboration reflects a shared investment in preventing childhood drownings, increasing access to swim education, and creating healthier, safer communities throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.