Stratford YMCA, Board Of Ed Announce New 2nd Grade Swimming Program

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford YMCA and the Stratford Board of Education have announced a new partnership that will provide water safety and swim instruction to every second-grade student in Stratford's public schools.

Through the community-wide initiative, second graders across Stratford’s public schools will “participate in structured swim lessons designed to build confidence, teach life-saving water safety skills, and promote lifelong wellness,” according to a news release.

The program aims to remove access barriers and ensure equitable participation among students.

Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children. Early swim education is considered a critical public health priority. The Stratford YMCA and Stratford Board of Education are taking proactive steps to protect young lives. The program also fosters physical activity, resilience, and self-confidence in the water.

“This partnership represents what is possible when a community comes together around a common purpose,” said Suzanne Richards, Executive Director of the Stratford YMCA. “Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe in and around water. By reaching students at a young age, we are not only teaching swimming, but we are saving lives.”

Acting Superintendent of Schools Heather Borges said, "The Stratford Board of Education is proud to partner with the Stratford YMCA to ensure every second grader gains essential water safety and swimming skills. In a shoreline community like ours, learning to swim is not just enrichment, it is a critical life skill that promotes safety, confidence, and lifelong wellness for every child."

Certified YMCA aquatics staff and community volunteers will lead the lessons. The program will operate in a safe and supportive environment, aligning with national water safety standards.

The program is expected to serve hundreds of Stratford students annually and will be sustained through community collaboration, philanthropic support, and shared institutional commitment, according to the news release.

For more information about the program or opportunities to support youth water safety in Stratford, contact: Suzanne Richard, Executive Director, Stratford YMCA or Iganchio Sanchez, Aquatics Director Stratford YMCA at 203-375-5844.