YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS RECEIVES $92K FROM POOLCORP, SUPPORTS 25,000 SWIM LESSONS & 35 LIFEGUARD TRAININGS

DALLAS, TEXAS (May 17, 2023) The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is expanding its Safety Around Water (SAW) lessons after receiving a gift of $92,425 from POOLCORP, the world's leading wholesale distributor of swimming pool equipment, parts and supplies, and related outdoor living products. The company teamed up with select YMCAs from across the nation to cover the costs of swim lessons for children and support lifeguard training to individuals who may not otherwise have access. 

The Dallas Y’s SAW program teaches more than 3,000 children life-saving skills every year, and hyper-focuses on communities from low-income neighborhoods, consisting almost exclusively at apartment complexes where the need is most critical. The funds from POOLCORP will directly benefit 200+ Y campers throughout North Texas. 

The program teaches and assesses six main skills, this includes how to: 

● submerge under water 

● climb out of the pool independently 

● front swim 

● float on back 

● front launch 

● “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” which includes jumping into water, pushing off from the bottom, turning to face the wall, grabbing the wall and exiting the pool. 

“This donation comes at a pivotal moment since summer is the busiest time of year in all area pools, making the danger of drowning even more prevalent. We have to be strategic with every decision we make to ensure our Safety Around Water program continues to see high rates of success,” says Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “We know this incredible gift provided by POOLCORP will have a significant impact and will further support our commitment to eliminate childhood drowning in North Texas.” 

Since 2021, POOLCORP has donated more than $3 million to 21 YMCAs throughout the U.S, covering swim lessons for more than 30,000 children and training 2,000 lifeguards. 

“Teaching children to swim is our number one outreach as a company,” says Jennifer Neil, POOLCORP Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. “We are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”

In addition to swim lessons offered to campers, the Y will host a Memorial Day weekend Open House swim assessment. Staff members will use this time to examine an individual’s swimming skills. If an individual does not “pass” the assessment, staff will be able to provide information about classes that are right for them and their children. The open house will take place on May 27 from 11 AM-1 PM at any branch with a pool associated with the Dallas Y, with the exception of Park South Family YMCA, which will operate from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. 

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas 

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org. 

About POOLCORP 

POOLCORP is the world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool and related backyard products. POOLCORP operates approximately 425 sales centers in North America, Europe and Australia through which it distributes more than 200,000 national brand and private label products to roughly 125,000 wholesale customers. For more information about POOLCORP, please visit www.poolcorp.com.