As part of its commitment to strengthening the community through youth development and healthy living, the New Canaan YMCA once again welcomed the Horizons Summer Camp for swim lessons this year. This partnership expands access to the life-saving skill of swimming, provides water safety training, and gives children the chance to explore the many health benefits of swimming.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the New Canaan YMCA and the generous donor whose support made free swim lessons possible for our Horizons at CT State Norwalk students. These lessons provide more than just a life-saving skill, they foster confidence, resilience, and joy in our students. The New Canaan YMCA continues to be a valued partner in helping us achieve our mission through opportunity and education. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our shared goals and to the well-being of our students,” shared Renee Rosenbluh, Executive Director, Horizons at CT State Norwalk.
In this seventh year of partnership between the organizations, 73 Horizons campers in third through eighth grade attended daily lessons over five weeks, which were offered at no cost to campers thanks to a generous grant to the New Canaan YMCA by the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation.
“The Kashulon Foundation is delighted to continue its support of New Canaan Y’s outreach program to the youth of Norwalk. The Y’s partnership with Horizons provides these children with an opportunity to learn to swim — a necessary skill for both safety and pleasure. Congratulations to the leadership and staff of the Y for their dedication to this program,” shared Chris Le Bris, President of the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, it is vital to teach all children the importance of water safety in and out of the pool, and swim lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. The goal of this program is to provide each Horizons camper with the skills necessary to achieve strength, safety, and confidence in the water.
“We are extremely pleased and proud to offer this important program to the Horizons campers. They are not only eager learners, but they also have a ton of fun while learning! We are grateful for the support of our donors that allowed us to offer this program free of charge and hope to continue it for many years to come,” shared Margaret Riley, Executive Director at the New Canaan YMCA. Donations fund the New Canaan YMCA’s financial assistance program, allowing the Y to provide over $200,000 in membership and program fee assistance each year, ensuring no one is ever turned away for an inability to pay.
As part of the Y’s commitment and to ensure everyone has access to the life-saving skill of swimming, the New Canaan YMCA updated its financial assistance program last year to provide swim lessons at no cost to New Canaan residents who receive SNAP, Husky A or D, or WIC benefits. For additional information about this swim lesson opportunity, contact Diana Riolo, Assistant Director of Development & Community Impact at the New Canaan YMCA, at 203-920-1685 or driolo@newcanaanymca.org.
The National Y swim lesson program is designed for ages six months and older. Swim lesson participants learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by mastering the six stages of the program, from water acclimation to stroke mechanics. For additional information about the swim lesson program at the New Canaan YMCA, contact Kristin White, Senior Director of Aquatics, at 203-920-1643 or kwhite@newcanaanymca.org.
Horizons at CT State Norwalk is an award-winning, tuition-free academic and enrichment program serving under-resourced students from the Norwalk community. Through the program, each child thrives through Horizons’ learn-by-doing approach, inspiring students to explore reading, math, science, music, theater, art, swimming, and more. For additional information about Horizons at CT State Norwalk, visit www.horizonsctsn.org.
