‘Swim for Jenny’ campaign to provide free lessons for all ages at 5 Broward YMCAs
There’s still time to register for five days of free 30-minute swim classes through the YMCA of South Florida.
From March 16-20, select locations will offer instruction to new swimmers of all ages. The “Swim for Jenny” initiative, which served over 2,000 people in 2024, honors the memory of Jenny Hong Nguyen, who drowned at a party in 2011 when she was 12.
Classes are available at five locations this year, with varying times depending on the location chosen and the participants’ ages:
- Weston YMCA Family Center
- Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center
- Hallandale Beach YMCA Family Center
- L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center in Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines YMCA Aquatic Center
Florida leads the nation in child drownings, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Research from USA Swimming also shows that Black and Hispanic children are at particular risk, as they are less likely to recieve formal swim lessons.
A child’s risk is also higher if a parent does not know how to swim, as it makes that child less likely to receive aquatics instruction.
Programs such as “Swim for Jenny” aim to solve these issues by teaching children and adults how to be comfortable in the water and use basic — and potentially lifesaving — swimming techniques.
Session options include child-with-adult, preschool, youth, teen and adult classes. To register, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/swim-for-jenny or call 954-334-9622.
The YMCA will also provide free swimsuits to those in need. Those interested in contributing can donate new and gently used swimwear at class locations, or visit the campaign’s Amazon wish list.
Swim lesson vouchers are also available through WaterSmartFL. Learn more about drowning prevention via Broward County and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 3:50 PM.
