Y Splash
44 schools. Every year. Thousands of kids learning a life-saving skill.
For nearly 30 years, Y Splash has been bringing water safety education directly to local second graders.
Every year, we serve second graders in 44 schools across Botetourt County, Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Salem. Over the program’s 30-year history, we estimate that more than 30,000 local students have participated in Y Splash.
That means more than 30,000 kids have had the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills, build confidence and become safer in and around the water.
WHAT IS Y SPLASH?
Teaching children how to be safe around water is one of the most important life skills the YMCA can provide. Y Splash is designed to give children the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make safer choices around water.
Through Y Splash, every second grader in our participating school systems takes part in six 45-minute instructional sessions focused on fundamental water safety and swimming skills.
The program helps children:
Learn essential water safety skills
Become more comfortable and confident in the water
Understand how to respond to common water-related situations
Build foundational swimming skills
Reduce their risk of drowning
And because we believe every child deserves the chance to learn these skills, Y Splash is provided at no cost to participating schools and families.
FOLLOW-UP SWIM LESSONS
Y Splash doesn’t stop when the six sessions are over.
During the program, we identify children who have little or no swimming ability and may be at higher risk around water. On average, 53% of participating children are identified as non-swimmers.
These children are offered eight FREE follow-up swim lessons at the Y to help them continue building their swimming skills and confidence.
Because knowing that a child needs more practice is only the first step. We want to help them get the practice they need.
HELP US KEEP KIDS SAFE
Y Splash is a community-wide effort made possible through the support of our generous donors and partnerships with local school systems.
The program is 100% free for children and families.
Your support helps us put water safety education directly into the hands of thousands of local children every year.
MAKE A LIFE-SAVING SPLASH
A donation of $3,000 can help provide Y Splash to an entire school of second graders.
Your gift can help a child learn how to recognize water hazards, make safer choices and feel more confident around water.
Help us keep Y Splash making waves for the next generation.
VOLUNTEER WITH Y SPLASH
It takes a village to keep kids safe, and volunteers play an important role in making Y Splash possible. Use the links below to start the volunteer application process.
WATER SAFETY ASSISTANTS
Volunteer Water Safety Assistants support swim instructors during Y Splash sessions. Volunteers can assist one hour a day, one or more days a week throughout the school year.
WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTORS
Have a passion for swimming and water safety? We’re looking for volunteers who can teach water safety skills to local second graders participating in Y Splash.
Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, you can help us give thousands of local children the skills and confidence to be safer around water.