Preventing Drowning

Reid’s parents watched in terror as their 6-year-old sank into the water of a pool he had jumped into, his head popping up, panic in his eyes, gasping, and then disappearing. That moment felt like forever before they rescued him.

His family decided to get Reid swimming lessons, despite past difficulty caused by his autism. They turned to the Y, where an instructor became determined to reach Reid. And she did, teaching him to stay calm in the water, head up, and kick his way to safety.

“While we know that drowning can happen at any time, we can breathe a little easier knowing Reid is learning water safety and survival skills,” Reid’s mom, Bethanie, says. “We will forever be grateful to the YMCA for taking the time to ensure our child is able to learn these essential skills.”

When you include the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas in your estate plan, you help ensure vital programs like swimming lessons continue to be available for families like Reid’s. Learn how you can easily make a lasting impact by contacting Rosabeth Ward Heyman at 757-951-4922 or Rosabeth.Ward@ymcavp.org today.

See the life-changing difference your support makes in the video below.