ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WFMZ) — A new partnership with Allentown Parks and Rec, the Allentown Parknership and River Crossing YMCA is providing free swim lessons to all children enrolled in the city’s Summer Playground Program.
“Part of our Summer Playground Program this year is going to include swim lessons for young people, five times during the summer,” said Mayor Matt Tuerk.
Those ages 7 through 15 who live in the city can participate in the 8-week program for free and they’ll also have the chance to take swim lessons through the new Safety Around Water Program with instructors from River Crossing YMCA.
“At the end of the day, the last thing you want to see is a kid get hurt or someone drown,” said Yassine Zekkaria, a playground supervisor.
More than 300 children in the Summer Playground Program will learn how to swim.
“They’ll have that basic survival skill so that if they’re in a situation where they’ll need to swim, they’ll be fine,” said Aaron Schneider, also a playground supervisor.
The Summer Playground Program runs from June 30 through July 10 and sign-ups are open now.
“We were trying to break down barriers for families who want their children to learn how to swim but may not have the time, transportation or financial resources to access traditional swim lessons,” said Parks and Rec Director Mandy Tolino.