MVP Health Care and YMCA of Greater Rochester Offers Free Swim Lessons for Local Youth

Nov 15, 2024

New partnership promotes water safety and healthy lifestyles for children in Rochester’s underserved communities

MVP Health Care (MVP) has partnered with the YMCA of Greater Rochester to offer free swim lessons for children ages 6-18 in the Greater Rochester area, improving water safety and promoting physical activity for underserved children.

“At MVP Health Care, we’re committed to empowering families to lead healthier, more active lives,” said MVP’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Deborah Brundage. “By offering free swim lessons here in Rochester, we’re helping children gain essential water safety skills and build confidence that will serve them for a lifetime."

The lessons are available to children across two age groups: 6-12 and 13-18, beginning Thursday, November 14, at the Maplewood Family YMCA at 25 Driving Park Ave, Rochester, N.Y. 14613 and continue every Thursday through December 19. MVP’s Leder in Field Marketing & Community Partnership, Stacey Spadoni will be onsite tomorrow from 4:00-6:30pm for an interview.

WHEN: The kickoff lesson will be held Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5-6 pm ET. Lessons are held weekly on Thursdays through December 19, with three convenient after-school timeslots:

4:30 - 5:05 p.m.
5:15 - 5:50 p.m.
6 - 6:35 p.m.

A second session will begin in January, with registration opening December 16.

DETAILS: Through this effort, MVP and the YMCA of Greater Rochester are addressing barriers that many families face in accessing safe, affordable swim instructions. The swim lessons will cover foundational swimming skills, such as water acclimation, movement and stamina, ultimately helping children build confidence and basic swimming competency.

"As America's Swim Instructor, it's extremely important for us to do all we can to make sure people in our community are safe in and around the water," said Ernie Lamour, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Rochester. "Being able to team up with other like-minded partners like MVP Health Care affords us at the YMCA of Greater Rochester the opportunity to extend our reach and for that we are incredibly grateful."

MVP representatives will be on-site during lessons at the MVP Mobile Enrollment Vehicle to provide families with health care information and giveaways to participants.

According to the American Red Cross, 64% of African American, 45% of Hispanic/Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have few to no swimming skills–highlighting the critical need for programs that help develop these life-saving abilities.

For more information visit MVP Health Care or YMCA of Greater Rochester.