May was National Water Safety Month—and for countless local children, teens, and adults, the YMCA is where confidence in the water begins and fear is left behind.
Just ask Saanch. When she first began swim lessons, water was scary. “No, no, no, I can’t do it,” she would say at every turn. But after starting private lessons and practicing during open swim with her family, everything changed.
“She now jumps in without hesitation, puts her face in the water, and even touches the bottom,” said Abby, one of her instructors. “Her favorite move? Rocketship glides—no bubble, face in, kicking strong. She’s even started using her arms to swim!”
Saanch isn’t just swimming—she’s thriving. And it’s all because of persistence, support, and the right instruction.
The same is true for adults. Libby, another YMCA instructor, shared the story of a woman in her class who is the first in her family to ever enter a pool. At the beginning, she clung to the wall. Now, she’s swimming away from it—both physically and emotionally.
“She told me, ‘I'm glad I finally decided to start learning and stopped thinking it was too late,’” Libby said. “It’s never too late to learn how to feel safe and empowered in the water.”
Eight-year-old Jordan White had a similar journey. When he began lessons at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, he was nervous—especially in the deep end. At first, he would just come in for his lesson and leave. But soon, he started asking to stay after class for free swim. Then he wanted to come early to watch the Mariners Swim Team practice. Eventually, he told his instructor he wanted to join one day.
Jordan now swims independently, jumps into the deep end safely, and has passed his deep-end test. Most recently, he completed a full length of the pool using rotary breathing—an impressive milestone for any young swimmer.
His advice to other kids who are unsure?
“Stay relaxed. Don’t be scared, no matter how hard things are. Stay calm and you can do it.”
YMCA Aquatics Director Will McCorkle said, “Jordan’s transformation is what this program is all about—building confidence, building skills, and building safety in and around the water.”
Jordan’s story is just one example of how the YMCA transforms lives through water safety education. For some families, these lessons aren’t just about building confidence—they’re lifesaving. Many of the Y’s instructors have heard stories about local families who’ve had close calls and found that swim lessons taken at the YMCA helped them avert a tragedy.
Water Safety by the Numbers
Each year, the YMCA of Greater Michiana introduces thousands of children to the water for the first time through school swim lessons, structured programs, and safety outreach. In 2024 alone, the Y provided 3,935 swim lessons and water safety trainings.
“These are more than just swim classes,” said Sammee Schaller, executive director of the Downtown South Bend YMCA and YMCA of Greater Michiana Aquatics Director. “They’re early interventions against one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1 to 4.”
“For many children in our region, their first experience in a pool isn’t during summer break—it’s with the Y during a school day,” she added. “We take that responsibility seriously. It’s a powerful moment, and we use it to teach more than swimming—we teach safety, courage, and respect for the water.”
The Journey of Growth: Tommy's Story
One swimmer who perfectly reflects the value of long-term water safety education is Tommy Campbell. He began swim lessons with Mr. Will at just three years old. At first, he wasn’t a fan of going underwater or floating on his back.
But with consistent support and encouragement, Tommy began jumping in, then swimming confidently with his flotation device. Now, about a year and a half later, he’s learning to swim independently.
“His confidence in the water has completely transformed,” said Mr. Will. “It’s been great to see him grow and learn to be safe around water.”
When asked what his favorite part of swim lessons is, Tommy gave an answer that says it all: “Floating on my back.” That simple skill is one of the most important in water survival—and a reflection of how far he’s come.
Year-Round Aquatics for Every Age
The Y’s swim lesson programs are open year-round for kids and adults of all ages and abilities, with financial assistance available. Programs are built to foster skill development in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment—whether someone is learning to float or mastering advanced strokes. Offerings include:
- Parent-child classes for babies and toddlers
- Youth swim lessons by skill level
- Teen and adult classes
- Adaptive programs for individuals with specific needs
- Private lessons for personalized instruction
Safety Beyond the Pool
The YMCA’s water safety mission also doesn’t stop at its doors. The Y also rents out certified lifeguards to oversee safety at community pools and events across the region. Whether it’s a school field trip or a neighborhood splash day, Y-trained lifeguards are ready to protect and respond.
“You don’t need to live on a lake or have a backyard pool for swim lessons to be important,” said Schaller. “Water is everywhere—from bathtubs to parks to vacations. The earlier we equip children with the skills to stay safe, the better.”
Get Involved
From first splash to floating on their backs, every swimmer’s journey is different. But at the YMCA, each one begins the same way—with trust, support, and the chance to grow in confidence. That’s how we build a community that’s not just water-safe—but water-strong.
Whether you’re looking to sign up for lessons, book a lifeguard for your event, or support the Y’s water safety efforts, you can get started at https://www.ymcagm.org/Aquatics.
