NEWPORT NEWS — The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas recently announced its partnership with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA as its signature drowning prevention sponsor.
According to the organization, the collaboration aims to enhance water safety education and provide essential resources to prevent drowning incidents in the community.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA will also support the YMCA’s Second Grade Learn to Swim drowning prevention program, it said, in which the Y provides all second graders in 11 school systems across the Virginia Peninsulas with a free water safety lesson. This includes the city of Newport News and the counties of Mathews, Middlesex, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster and Isle of Wight public schools.
Thanks to the partnership, the YMCA said each child who completes the program this year will receive a complimentary single-day ticket to either park in 2025 as a congratulations on their accomplishment.
Water safety tips will be displayed throughout Water Country USA, which guests will see this season, enabling the YMCA to expand its reach and impact, it said, while ensuring more children and families have access to vital water safety education.
“We are thrilled to partner with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas in their mission to prevent drowning and promote water safety,” said Kevin Lembke, Park President of Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA. “Our parks are committed to the well-being of our community, and this sponsorship aligns perfectly with our values of safety and family fun,” said Lembke.
The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas noted its long-standing commitment to water safety. According to the organization:
- Every year in the United States, there are over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4.
- For children ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death.
- On average, there are 11 drowning deaths per day and 22 nonfatal drownings per day
“We are grateful for the generous support from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA,” said Adam Klutts, President and CEO of YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. “Their partnership will make a significant difference in our efforts to prevent drowning and ensure everyone in our community can enjoy water activities safely.”
For more information about drowning prevention programs and how to get involved, visit ymcavp.org.
