Free Swim Lessons Wrap Up for Corinth 2nd Graders Through SRYMCA Partnership
This spring, the Saratoga Regional YMCA was proud to once again partner with the Corinth Central School District to provide free swim lessons to every second‑grade student in the district. Now in its second year, the program recently concluded after seven weeks of hands‑on instruction focused on water confidence, basic swim skills, and essential safety habits.
The program welcomed students of all experience levels, creating a supportive environment where every child could learn and grow at their own pace. Each participant began with a swim assessment to ensure they were placed in the appropriate level, allowing YMCA instructors to tailor instruction to individual needs. Throughout the program, students worked on comfort in the water, stroke development, and safe behaviors they can carry with them for years to come.
This year’s lessons were made possible in part by a $5,000 grant from the Step Into Swim initiative and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, helping ensure that cost is never a barrier to life‑saving swim education. In addition, transportation from school to the Y was provided, making participation accessible to all Corinth second graders.
Access to swim instruction is especially important because drowning remains the second leading cause of death for children ages 5–14. Programs like this play a vital role in equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to stay safe in and around water—particularly as summer approaches.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Corinth Central School District for a second year of swim lessons,” said Aaron Ditch, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Branch. “Thanks to grant support and the dedication of our staff, we were able to remove barriers and ensure every child had the opportunity to learn these critical water safety skills. It’s an experience that can truly make a lifelong difference.”
This spring, the program reached 78 second‑grade students, helping them build confidence in the water and prepare for the warmer months ahead in Upstate New York.
By continuing this collaboration, the Saratoga Regional YMCA and the Corinth Central School District remain committed to making water safety education accessible to every child in the community—strengthening not only individual confidence, but overall community well‑being.