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Safety Around Water Week

Keeping Richmond Safe

Safety Around Water Week is a FREE introductory swim program for youth and adults currently not enrolled in formal swim lessons. The Y helps families and children know how to stay safe in and around water.

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Wherever You Are!

Water Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility. It takes all of us. For a Safer Us.

May 9-15, 2026

  • Serves 6 months old to adult
  • Targets Inexperienced swimmers
  • Open to the community
  • Offered at 13 locations across RVA
  • Various times throughout the week
Non-Member Registration
Non-Member Registration
Young child getting a swim lesson by a YMCA instructor at Thornton Aquatic Center.
YMCA swim instructor and young girl in the pool during a lesson.
YMCA Camp Thunderbird outdoor swimming pool with four campers jumping into pool
Tuckahoe Family YMCA swimming pool with swim lessons
Swim instructor and student on the side of the pool at Petersburg YMCA
little boy sitting by an indoor pool at the Patrick Henry Family YMCA
Young child getting a swim lesson by a YMCA instructor at Thornton Aquatic Center.

Preventing Drownings Through Education

With a mission to reduce drowning risks, Safety Around Water Week provides structured swim lessons and dryland educational sessions, reaching over 3,000 individuals. By equipping participants—especially those from underserved communities—with essential water safety skills, this initiative raises awareness and fosters a culture of safety around water.

Mission and Vision
Mission and Vision
YMCA swim instructor and a woman in the pool during a lesson.

Empowering Communities Through Volunteer Engagement

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Safety Around Water Week. Their dedication strengthens the program’s operations, deepens community connection and promotes the importance of water safety education to prevent drownings in our community. Thank you to our community volunteers! We couldn’t do this without you!

Information Coming Soon!
Information Coming Soon!

Expanding Our Impact Through Philanthropy

Corporate and community support help extend the reach and quality of our program. By securing support, we minimize operational costs and maximize the campaign’s impact, ensuring more individuals have access to life-saving water safety education. Together, we are creating lasting, sustainable change in drowning prevention.

Sponsorships
Sponsorships Giving
Giving
IT’S TIME TO FIND YOUR Y

JOIN THE GREATER RICHMOND YMCA TODAY

Join today and gain access to all 16 of our locations throughout the greater Richmond area, with no contracts, no join fees, and access to income-based memberships.

Become a member
Become a member

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts