The Muskegon YMCA is proud to announce that it has been selected as a grant recipient from the CDC Foundation’s Understanding and Preventing Drowning initiative. This grant supports the Y’s ongoing commitment to water safety through its Safety Around Water program, ensuring that children in the Muskegon community have access to vital drowning prevention resources.

The CDC Foundation’s Understanding and Preventing Drowning initiative aims to reduce drowning risks through education, research, and community-based interventions. By partnering with organizations like the Muskegon Y, the initiative seeks to create safer environments in and around water, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The Muskegon YMCA’s Safety Around Water program provides essential water safety skills and education to 3rd graders across Muskegon County, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water. Serving around 1,000 students each year, the 5-week program exposes children to critical water safety concepts while also teaching them new swimming skills and helping them feel comfortable in the water. With drowning being a leading cause of accidental death among children, the Safety Around Water program is a critical resource for the Muskegon community.

“Even though summer is winding down, water safety remains a top priority at the Muskegon Y year-round,” said Andi Switzer, Program Director at the Muskegon YMCA. “We are honored to receive this grant from the CDC Foundation, which will allow our incredible Safety Around Water team to further expand our efforts to educate and protect more children in our community.”

For more information about the Safety Around Water program and to learn how you can get involved in promoting water safety, please visit muskegonymca.org/safety-around-water or contact the Muskegon YMCA at 231.722.9622 or info@muskegonymca.org.