SW Arizona News

Yuma County, Arizona–In an effort to keep Yuma County youth safe around water, Yuma County Public Health Services District (Health District) will be providing 111 free swim scholarships to Yuma County residents ranging from six months to five years of age.

"Drowning is the number one leading cause of death for one to four years old nationwide, and unfortunately Yuma County is no different. We know swim lessons help reduce the risk of drowning, and we are confident Yuma County families will take advantage of this great opportunity," stated Ryan Butcher, program coordinator with the Health District.

The City of Yuma's Parks and Recreation Division offers swim lessons as a component of their regular Summer Swim programs, and is where Yuma County residents can access the free scholarships.

"Early access to swim lessons are an integral part of water safety for the whole family. Not only is a young child gaining water acclimation skills, but they are gaining the building blocks of being safe around water that will carry through a lifetime," highlighted Ann-Jeanette Mosqueda, Recreation Manager with Parks and Recreation Division.

The lesson registration is set to begin on Monday, May 13, 2024. Classes start on June 3, and are available in the morning at Marcus Pool, and in the evening at Carver Pool. Each session is 45 minutes long, runs Monday through Friday, and are two weeks long (barring national holidays).

The classes eligible for the free scholarships are: "Guppy/Turtle" for Infants and Toddlers (6 months to 3 years) and "Starfish" for Pre-school (3-5 years of age).

In-person registration can be done at the City of Yuma Parks and Recreation office, located at One City Plaza Yuma, AZ 85364 or by calling 928-373-5200.

Multiple organizations, including the Health District, have recently united to form the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) with the aim of advancing water safety awareness and lowering drowning incidents in Yuma County.

The Health District's swim scholarships are just one aspect of a broader, united effort aimed at preventing drownings in Yuma County.

For more information about water safety and the GYWSA, visit yumaaz.gov/water safety.