The New Canaan YMCA and New Canaan Parks and Recreation Department are thrilled to share the culmination of a successful first-year partnership providing nearly 200 kids in our community with swim lessons at the Steve Benko Pool in Waveny Park.

Five mornings per week at the Steve Benko Pool, New Canaan YMCA swim instructors taught children ages six months through twelve years old and focused on safety, confidence, and strength in the water in a fun and nurturing environment.

While children learned the important skill of swimming, their parents and caregivers learned about safety in and out of the water. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four and the second leading cause of death for children ages five to fourteen. The Y’s swim lesson program incorporated a weekly water safety lesson for parents and caregivers during swim lessons. Water Safety Wednesdays, led by Matt Busse, New Canaan YMCA Director of Aquatic Operations & Safety, taught parents and caregivers pool and beach safety, aquatic emergency preparedness, and hands-only CPR lessons that provide life-saving skills far beyond the summer.

“We are very proud to have partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department on this initiative. In addition to helping 200 kids become safer and stronger in the water, our summer swim lessons at the Steve Benko pool were an excellent example of how a community nonprofit and the Town can join in partnership to further our common goal of serving our community members. The Y is always exploring ways to expand our services and we look forward to future partnerships,” shared Margaret Riley, New Canaan YMCA Executive Director.

Zack Philippas, Assistant Director of New Canaan Parks and Recreation, shared, “Our goal here at New Canaan Recreation is to provide recreational, educational, and social programs for all New Canaan Residents. Partnering with a reputable organization such as the YMCA of New Canaan has given us the opportunity to offer quality swim lessons while maximizing the usage of Steve Benko Pool. We are already looking forward to next season!”

To learn more about the Y’s swim lessons program, visit www.newcanaanymca.org/swim-lessons. To learn more about the New Canaan Recreation Department, visit www.newcanaanct.myrec.com.