The YMCA of the Capital Area is proud to launch a life-saving swim safety initiative at the Americana YMCA in Zachary, made possible through support from the CDC Foundation, Lane Regional Medical Center, The City of Zachary, and Georgia Pacific. The program begins this week with second-grade students from East Feliciana Parish, expanding critical water safety access in a rural community where opportunities for formal swim instruction are often limited.

Over the coming weeks, the program will extend to students in West Feliciana Parish and Zachary Community Schools, building a regional approach to drowning prevention and youth safety.
This initiative is part of the YMCA’s broader commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of zip code or income, has access to essential water safety skills. Through structured, instructor-led lessons, students will learn how to be safe in and around water while building confidence and lifelong skills.

In 2025, the YMCA of the Capital Area delivered more than 3,000 free swim lessons, with more than 80% of participants achieving critical water safety benchmarks, including floating, treading water, and safe entry and exit techniques. These outcomes reflect measurable progress in reducing drowning risk and equipping children with the skills they need to stay safe.

“Drowning is preventable, and programs like this are changing the trajectory for children and families across our region,” said Sean Elliott, President & CEO, YMCA of the Capital Area. “We’re especially proud to expand into rural parishes, where access to swim instruction can be limited but the need is just as urgent.” 

By bringing this program to East Feliciana Parish and beyond, the YMCA and our coalition of partners and funders are working together to close gaps in access, reduce risk, and ensure more children can safely enjoy the water.
For more information about YMCA aquatics programs or to support this initiative, please visit https://www.ymcabr.org/aquatics.