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YMCA Beach Ball 2025: Fighting Florida's Drowning Crisis with Olympian Tides

YMCA of South Florida's Beach Ball Gala on Oct 4 raises funds for water safety programs to combat Florida's child drowning crisis. Learn how to support swim lessons for underserved youth.

This news matters because drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the U.S., and Florida consistently has the highest drowning rates nationwide. The YMCA's efforts directly combat this public health crisis by providing accessible swim lessons, which reduce drowning risk by 88%. For families, especially in underserved communities, these programs can be life-saving, as 64% of minority children have little to no swimming ability. Beyond immediate safety, water competency fosters confidence, physical activity, and recreational opportunities, contributing to overall community well-being and reducing healthcare costs associated with nonfatal drownings.