Fort Lauderdale, FL (March 6, 2026) – The unfortunate statistics tell a devastating story as Florida consistently leads the nation with the most childhood drownings. Last year alone, 112 child fatal drownings were reported in Florida, the highest total that the state has ever seen according to state records, while Miami-Dade and Broward counties lead the state in child drownings. For every child who dies from drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Florida also has the highest rate of drowning in the nation for those under 18 years old.

The good news is that drowning is preventable and the YMCA of South Florida, which has one of the most comprehensive water safety and drowning prevention programs in the country, is working diligently to counter these statistics by highlighting the importance of swim lessons. The YMCA’s annual “Swim for Jenny” is a week-long initiative providing FREE swim lessons for anyone older than six months of age, aiming to reduce the risk of drowning by promoting water safety for all.

“It’s never too early to get children involved in swimming, especially since drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four,” said YMCA of South Florida President and CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “One childhood drowning fatality is too many. We want to ensure that all children are safe around water and the best way to do that is by making sure they are strong, confident swimmers. Swim for Jenny is crucial to this mission. We make these life-saving lessons more accessible to all.”

Generously supported by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, Broward County Government, Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A.), POOLCORP, and Swim Central, Swim for Jenny takes place March 16-20 at five YMCA of South Florida locations this year – Fort Lauderdale (L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center), Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Weston and Pembroke Pines.

Named after Jenny Hong Nguyen, a 12-year-old girl who tragically drowned at a party because she didn’t know how to swim, Swim for Jenny has benefited more than 25,000 people with more than 100,000 swim lessons since it was implemented in 2013.

To register for free swim lessons through “Swim for Jenny”, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/swim-for-jenny.

About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As an award-winning nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.