The YMCA of Greater Erie is committed to raising awareness around the preventable tragedy that is youth drowning. That's why the Y is working with the City of Erie & Housing Authority of the City of Erie to offer free swim lessons this summer. The YMCA is also working to increase water safety awareness within the Erie community by asking families to take the Water Watcher Pledge.
Free swim lessons
Swim lessons are free to City of Erie residents ages 6 months to 17 years old this summer in two locations.
Registration opens May 23.
Operated by the YMCA of Greater Erie, the Brian Lee Crosby Memorial Learn to Swim Program 2022 is sponsored by City of Erie & Housing Authority of the City of Erie.
Swim lessons will take place at the Downtown YMCA in the early evenings and at the Rodger Young Pool in the mornings.
Classes meet three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for two weeks.
Advanced registration is required. Call the Downtown Y at (814) 452-3261 to register.
Parents or guardians are responsible for registration, attendance and transportation needs. Bathing suits are required. Certified lifeguards are on duty.
There are different classes based on a child's age. Sign up for the class that is best for your child now!
There are four sessions to pick from:
- Session 1: June 20-July 1
- Session 2: July 11-22
- Session 3: July 25-Aug. 5
- Session 4: Aug. 8-19
Swimming safety and a pledge
The YMCA of Greater Erie is committed to raising awareness around the preventable tragedy that is youth drowning.
Swim lessons are an essential part of keeping kids safe in and around the water, but there’s no substitution for parental or adult supervision. Often times when everyone is watching the kids; that means no one is watching the kids. There should always be someone designated to watch the kids, especially when they’re around water.
How can you help?
Help the YMCA of Greater Erie increase water safety awareness within the community. The more we get the word out, the more likely we are to prevent another death. The first step is to take the YMCA Water Watcher pledge!
Water Watcher Pledge
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-14. Together, we can eliminate these statistics. Help prevent these tragedies by becoming a WATER WATCHER by agreeing to:
WATER WATCHER Pledge
- Always actively watch children around water.
- Making sure an adult is within arm’s reach of young children in the water.
- Swim near a lifeguard and never swim alone.
- Reach or throw an object, don’t go into the water, to help a swimmer who is in trouble.
- Enroll children in swim lessons to help them stay safe around water.
- Learn CPR.