At the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, we believe every child should be able to learn to swim safely and confidently. With drowning being a leading cause of accidental death for children, particularly those under 14, it is more important than ever to equip our youth with the skills and resources they need to stay safe in the water. Thanks to a generous donation of 35 life jackets from AOAP, our mission to make water safety accessible for all has been strengthened, and the impact is already being felt across our community.
A key aspect of the YMCA’s mission is inclusion. We believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to participation, and our Membership for All program ensures that every child has access to swim lessons, no matter their family’s situation. However, the cost of personal safety equipment like life jackets can be an additional challenge for some families. The AOAP’s donation has alleviated this pressure, ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have the right equipment to stay safe in and around the water. It is also a relief for parents who may not be able to afford to buy life jackets or who may have overlooked the importance of this essential safety item.
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is deeply grateful for the lifejackets provided by AOAP, and the impact of this donation will continue to grow. As we look ahead, we plan to use the lifejackets to expand our water safety outreach to even more children in the community.