PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANDREW POTTER The Teach Them to Swim program through the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA was started in 2012 in response to the tragic drownings that occurred that summer. On Dec. 5, 23 students graduated from the fall session.

The Teach Them to Swim program through the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA was started in 2012 in response to the tragic drownings that occurred that summer. Lee Meh, 9, her 7-year-old brother, Sae Reh, and their 7-year-old cousin, Thay Mo died, as well as 10-year-old Andres Favela-Lopez, in a separate incident.

The Marshalltown Community School District and other community partners teamed up to start the program at the Y, which is for fifth and sixth grade students at Lenihan Intermediate School. The 12-week program is held twice a year — in the spring and the fall. Lessons last 60 to 90 minutes and take place after school.

Since 2012, 791 students have graduated from Teach Them to Swim. Participants are selected based on financial need and the lack of prior swim lessons.

On Dec. 5, 23 students graduated from the fall session.

“They come twice a week in that 12-week span,” Y Marketing and Communications Director Andrew Potter said. “They learn swim techniques and water safety. They may use both of our pools — the zero depth recreational one and the lap pool — depending on availability and what skills they’re learning.”

The program is free for the youth to participate, and they also receive a free one-year membership to the Y.

“We always have so many different success stories of kids that may have been apprehensive in the water, and now they’re confident and thriving,” he added. “The graduation ceremony is always a fun event. Lenihan’s principal Kyle Young always comes to it and the instructors. It’s a big community effort, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Young said he loves seeing students stretch their abilities and leave their comfort zones.

“We love the partnership with the YMCA,” Young said. “The pride they have in themselves for completing the program is awesome to see. We want to encourage students coming to Lenihan to try something new and challenge themselves. This is a perfect opportunity for many of our students.”

Marshalltown Police Chief Mike Tupper also always attends the graduation ceremony.

“It has been my honor to help present graduation certificates and life vests (donated by Theisen’s) to the graduates. I am certain this program is saving lives and making a difference in our community. I hope this program continues for years to come,” Tupper said.

Potter said grant funding for this program comes from a variety of entities including the Community Foundation of Marshall County, Theisen’s, YMCA of the USA and private companies.

More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. For youth ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, after motor vehicle crashes, according to the CDC. Approximately 40% of drownings among children ages 5-14 take place in natural water, whereas roughly 30% occur in swimming pools.

Drowning death rates in the U.S. are also statistically higher for people of color than for whites, also according to the CDC. For instance, drowning death rates for American Indian or Alaska Natives ages 29 and younger are two times higher than the rates for whites. Drowning death rates for black people are 1.5 times higher than the rates for white people.

Potter noted that the Y also offers a Safety Around Water program (SAW). A total of 862 Marshalltown students were instructed in grades fourth, sixth and eighth in the 2022-23 school year.

Some people may face financial barriers in affording a Y membership. The Y’s annual campaign helps cover the cost of these passes. Income requirements must be met.

“We have a goal of reaching $150,000 and we’ve reached just over $100,000. We’re still accepting donations,” Potter said.

To learn more, visit: www.ymca-ywca.org