Jacksonville, FL — Teaching children to be safe around water is a necessity, not a luxury.
That's why Florida Blue plans to donate a significant grant to YMCA of Florida's First Coast in support of its drowning prevention program-- 'Safety Around Water.'
Water is never far away in Florida. Our #SafetyAroundWater program teaches kids essential water safety skills. #YMCA https://t.co/GPhO7dseDh pic.twitter.com/8qA2Cm4NdG
— First Coast YMCA (@FirstCoastYMCA) July 12, 2017
The support will allow the YMCA to provide free swim lessons to more than 800 additional children on the First Coast. At a state-wide level, Florida Blue's assistance will benefit more than 5,000 children.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4-years-old and is the second leading cause of death for children from 5 to 14-years-old.
Florida Blue made the official grant announcement Tuesday, July 18, at the Winston Family YMCA.
.@FLBlue just announced a $300,000 donation to the YMCA for swim lessons/drowning prevention. Over time, it's expected to help 5,000 kids. pic.twitter.com/3xRnMh2mKy
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) July 18, 2017
Out of the $300,000 grant, the First Coast YMCA will get about $100,000.
2) @FLBlue's grant will help 3 YMCA branches state-wide. @FirstCoastYMCA will get about $100,000.
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) July 18, 2017