Water Wise: Empowering Kids to Be Safe and Confident in the Water
At the Dover YMCA, water safety means more than just swim lessons—it means saving lives, building confidence, and creating opportunities for every child to thrive.
One of those children is Abigail, a bright and determined young swimmer who learned to conquer her fears through the YMCA of Delaware’s Water Wise program.
“Just don’t give up. They have lifeguards. The people there are really safe and kind. They will help you if you fall. And if you get scared, sometimes they will offer you a pool noodle to hold on to when you swim.”
— Abigail, Water Wise Participant
Through Water Wise, Abigail learned essential life-saving skills and the confidence to enjoy the water safely. She’s one of 700 children in 2024 who gained water safety skills through the Dover YMCA’s inclusive and accessible swim lessons.
Why Water Safety Matters
With 381 miles of tidal shoreline, Delaware offers plenty of opportunities for water fun—but also real risks. Many children, especially in under-resourced communities, haven’t had access to basic swim lessons.
- Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4
- Nearly 60% of Black and Latino youth haven’t had the chance to learn to swim
- Access to lessons reduces drowning risk by up to 88%
That’s why programs like Water Wise are critical.
A School Partnership That Saves Lives
For Lawanda Burgoyne, Principal at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Water Wise is about equity and empowerment.
“Everybody should know how to be safe around water. The Water Wise program is important for our school and our students in that it provides what should be just a basic life skill to our kiddos who are in public school. The ability to save yourself in water is a basic life skill that all children should have access to.”
— Lawanda Burgoyne, Principal, Booker T. Washington Elementary School
Her school partners with the Dover YMCA to give students access to free swim lessons. This helps remove barriers and open doors to lifelong safety and confidence.
“The Y is the right partner for this endeavor because they are an integral part of our community.”
— Lawanda Burgoyne
Water Wise by the Numbers
The YMCA of Delaware’s Water Wise program continues to grow its impact statewide:
- 14,000+ children served since launch
- 955 children reached in 2024
- 1,000+ expected in 2025
- Focused on equity, inclusion, and community partnerships
Every Child Deserves to Be Water Safe
By working with schools, families, and community partners, the YMCA of Delaware is building a safer future—one child, one swim lesson at a time.
Watch Abigail’s story and see how Water Wise is making waves in Delaware.