Beyond laps and games of Marco Polo, YMCA aquatics facilities and programs save thousands of lives every year by teaching children and adults of all backgrounds how to swim and providing accessible pools to the communities we serve.
Swimming is a fantastic way to stay safe near water, compete on a team, have fun with friends, and get a low-impact workout. But access to pools and aquatics programs is historically divided along clear racial, economic, and geographic lines.
This disparity puts people of color at risk of drowning, denies those from low-income backgrounds life-long health opportunities, and excludes those in urban settings from a joyful pastime.
By joining the Y instead of a private pool, our members demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in aquatics. Every laugh, lap, and splash moves whole communities closer to a more just and equitable world.
