USA Swimming Foundation Joins Toyota, YMCA of the North for Mobile Learn to Swim Initiative
The USA Swimming Foundation on Tuesday announced a partnership to deliver a mobile learn to swim initiative to children in the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
The partnership is with Toyota, the YMCA of the North and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department to provide free swim lessons in underserved communities. The Mobile Swim Lessons Powered by Toyota program will provide personnel (instructors and lifeguards) and safety equipment to low-income apartment complexes with pools. The aim is to give children living in those types of complexes access to swimming during the summer and in the fall in an effort to reduce risk. Toyota’s sponsorship covers the price of transportation and swim lessons for up to 500 children.
“Once again our friends at Toyota have stepped up to help when we needed them most, and we are extremely grateful for their generosity,” Shana Ferguson, the chief commercial officer for USA Swimming, said in a press release. “There is glory in winning competitive swim medals on the global scene, but there is dire need for providing access to swim lessons for those who need them locally. Toyota has figured out how to help us do both in their own unique way. We are humbled by their continued engagement with our sport and our communities.”
“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative and help bring not only swimming lessons and water safety to low-income communities, but also provide these children the opportunity to learn about swimming,” said Dedra DeLilli, group manager, sponsorship, integration & activation, Toyota Motor North America. “At Toyota, we believe that when given the opportunity and resources, one can truly accomplish anything. Our hope is that these children feel more confident and safer around water thanks to the Mobile Learn to Swim program.”
For USA Swimming, it’s the latest in a line of programs aimed at expanding access to swimming instruction, particularly among historically excluded populations or those where the cost of pools or time is prohibitive.
“The YMCA is committed to saving lives through water safety programs and education,” said Glen Gunderson, president for the Y. “We are excited to partner on the Mobile Swim Lessons program with the USA Swimming Foundation, Toyota and Hennepin County so we are able to offer this program free of charge so all can access life-saving lessons and skills.”