Making Waves: Debbie’s Family Finds Confidence and Joy in the Pool
“The swimming lessons were taught by patient, knowledgeable instructors who really know how to work with all age groups and skill levels. My confidence in the water has improved so much, it’s all thanks to their supportive and encouraging approach.” – Debbie
Every week, Debbie brings her three children to the pool, each at a different stage of their swimming journey—but all making incredible progress. What started as a way to introduce her kids to water safety has grown into a transformative experience for the entire family.
Debbie’s oldest child began with private swim lessons tailored to his needs. With patience, consistency, and supportive instructors, he soon gained the confidence to join group lessons—an exciting step that’s helped him grow both in skill and social interaction.
Her middle child has taken to the water with such enthusiasm and determination that she earned a spot on the swim club.
The youngest sibling is already swimming independently. From hesitant splashes to confident strokes, the little one’s progress is a testament to how effective and fun the right instruction can be.
Inspired by her children, Debbie decided to take the plunge herself. She recently began swim lessons and is already feeling more confident in the water. For Debbie, learning to swim isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about sharing in something special with her kids.
Together, they’ve turned swim time into family time, building not just skills but memories. Debbie’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late—or too early—to dive in.
Joselyn
“This Summer I signed my daughters up for Summer Camp at the YMCA and I was very nervous that my middle child was going to struggle. Unlike her older sister who is a mermaid in the water, my second oldest was not a fan of swimming or going to the pool. The YMCA Summer Camp offered swimming sessions three times a week and I anticipated that she would give her counselors a hard time, resisting to go into the water. We were fortunate to get the exact opposite experience and she has since taken liking to swimming in the pool. Before open swim, all campers are provided swim lessons to improve their swimming ability and it increased my daughter’s confidence in the water. I am very grateful that she was able to overcome her fear of swimming and I credit it to her time at the YMCA Summer Camp!” – Nyobi
Fernando
After almost drowning at the beach, Fernando has been terrified of the water. When he first came to lessons he would only stand at the wall gripping the edge with white knuckles and crying. Seeing how upset he was, Ms. Karen took it upon herself to work one-on-one with Fernando and his little sister. Within an hour Ms. Karen had him floating my himself! His mother, Nidia says he is doing much better now and they are looking forward to more private lessons.
Noah
Hundreds of children drown each year in Florida. Many of these children are being supervised by adults when this happens. At the Y it is at the core of our mission to teach children to swim.
Six -year-old Noah was no exception. When he came to Summer Camp he could not pass the swim test. Seeing that this upset Noah, Mr. Adam his counselor took it upon himself to work with Noah on his swimming skills while his friends were playing. Within a week of working with Mr. Adam, Noah could pass the swim test.
Noah came a long way from the start of camp. He is now swimming with his friends all the while strengthening his skills, his body and his confidence. Y Summer Camp is impacting the youth of our community in all aspect of their lives and tipping the odds in their favor.