Representatives from SCP Distributors, Superior Pool Products, and parent company POOLCORP present the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA with funding for 100 Lifeguard Training Scholarships and Safety Around Water lessons for 1,400 students. From left: Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA CEO Matt Mitchell; Taylor Anderson, Lisa Pace, Bill Gifford, and Curtis Litteral of SCP Distributors; Bobby Mull of Superior Pool Products.
Water safety is critical in the Tampa Bay area. That’s why the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is teaming up with SCP Distributors Inc., Superior Pool Products, and parent company POOLCORP to provide scholarships for water safety lessons to area children. Donated funds will provide 100 Lifeguard Training Scholarships and Safety Around Water (SAW) lessons for more than 1,400 children who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate.
The Safety Around Water Program consists of a course of eight 40-minute sessions where students learn important skills in and around water, including survival skills like pushing off from the bottom of the pool to resurface, safety skills like water rescue techniques and identifying a safe place to swim, and basic swim skills like floating, blowing bubbles, and beginner swim strokes.
The lifeguard training scholarships provide employment opportunities and support needed for community pools to be able to be open and operate safely. Both classes will be available at 12 Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCAs. “The prevention of childhood drowning remains a top priority for our YMCAs throughout Tampa Bay. We know water safety programs can save lives, and through the generosity of POOLCORP, we will now be able to reach even deeper into our community and serve kids who otherwise may not have exposure to these vital life-saving programs.” said Matt Mitchell, President and CEO of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.
The YMCA offers a variety of swim and water safety programs for individuals of all ages and skill levels.