The Eastern Community YMCA, in collaboration with Toledo Public Schools (TPS) Foundation and several community partners, is proud to announce an impactful initiative to bring swim safety education to six (6) TPS elementary schools. This program aims to equip children with
essential water safety skills, thanks to the generosity and support of local organizations.
Todd Deem, principal at Waite High School and East Y Board Member, played a critical role in the development and implementation of this program within TPS schools. “This program is a game-changer for our community,” said Deem. “It’s about creating opportunities for children to gain life-saving skills while also fostering a love for swimming and confidence in the water.”
Community Partners Step Up to Support Youth Safety
The program’s success is made possible through the dedication and generosity of several organizations:
ProMedica Bay Park Hospital Foundation and Toledo Refining Company: Contributions will provide funding for transportation, ensuring students can safely travel to and from swim lessons.
ProMedica, Will Yenrick Vice President of Operations and Eastern Community YMCA Board Member –
Cenovus Toledo Refinery: Funding the YMCA’s Safety Around Water Program, which offers vital water safety education.
Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital: Donating towels and swim bags for all participating children.
St. Charles Mercy Health Auxiliary and Mission Services Program:
Providing swimsuits for children in need, ensuring every child is equipped to participate fully.
St. Charles, Craig Albers President and Eastern Community YMCA Board Member
A Collaborative Approach to Water Safety
The program begins with an in-classroom safety talk at each school,
followed by three 45-minute swim lessons at the Eastern Community YMCA in
Oregon, Ohio. This hands-on approach allows students to learn critical
safety skills and gain confidence in the water.
“We are thrilled to begin this program with Oakdale Elementary,” said Dr.
Robert Yenrick, Principal of Oakdale Elementary School. “This partnership
represents the best of what our community can achieve when we come together
for our children’s future.”
The program will also serve five additional TPS elementary schools: Raymer,
Birmingham, East Broadway, Garfield, and Navarre.
“This initiative goes beyond teaching swimming skills,” said Beth
Konczal, Executive
Director of the Eastern Community YMCA. “It’s about ensuring every child
has access to critical safety education and the tools they need to thrive
in and around water. With Lake Erie right in our backyard, this program is
essential to meeting the needs of our community. Over the past two years,
the Eastern Community YMCA branch and board have worked tirelessly to make
this vision a reality, already serving over 900 students from the Oregon
City School District and Cardinal Stritch. We are deeply grateful to our
community partners for their generosity and commitment to this mission.”
Making a Difference in Lives of Children
The YMCA’s Safety Around Water Program is designed to reduce the risk of
drowning, increase water safety awareness, and instill confidence in
children. With the support of the TPS Foundation and local partners, this
program promises to leave a lasting impact on hundreds of students and
their families.
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