Safety Around Water: Building Confident Swimmers, Saving Lives

“Every child deserves to feel safe and confident in the water.”

That’s the heart of the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program, a free community initiative that teaches lifesaving swim skills to children across North Texas.

At the center of this vital work is Marioli Diaz, the YMCA’s Safety Around Water Director.

“The program provides free swim lessons that help prevent drownings and build confident swimmers,” Marioli explains. “We use the YMCA’s proven swim curriculum and work with schools, nonprofits, and apartment communities across the Metroplex to make sure every child, no matter their background, can learn these skills.”

Reaching Kids Where They Are

The Safety Around Water program is designed to meet kids right in their own communities. Lessons are held both at YMCA facilities and at partner locations. These partners include early childhood programs such as Meadow Oaks Academy, schools like Dallas ISD, Faith Family Academy, and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as community organizations including Catholic Charities, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and Hope Farm.

“Our lifeguards and swim instructors are rigorously trained,” Marioli says. “They work together in small teams to make every lesson fun, safe, and meaningful. We meet kids in their own environments, schools, churches, apartment pools, and give them tools that can truly save their lives.”

Why It Matters

In Texas, the summer heat draws many families to pools and lakes to cool off. While these activities are fun, they can quickly become dangerous if children are not aware of the risks. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death among children, and the YMCA is determined to change that.

“The SAW program gives children and families the chance to learn how to safely enjoy aquatic activities,” Marioli says. “It’s not just about swimming, but also about understanding water safety, preventing emergencies, and knowing how to respond if one happens.”

In 2024 alone, more than 7,500 children participated in the Safety Around Water program. Each one represents a life touched, a family empowered, and a community made safer.

Partnerships that Shape Futures

Among the many organizations SAW serves, Hope Farm stands out. Hope Farm is a nonprofit that supports school-age boys who are growing up without fathers, offering them structure, mentorship, and opportunity.

“This is our first year working with Hope Farm,” Marioli says. “We want to help these boys build self-confidence and life skills through swimming. Sports can teach goal-setting, resilience, and teamwork. These are skills they can carry into adulthood.”

One of those boys is Kendall, who has become a standout participant.

“Kendall will be turning 15 soon,” Marioli shares. “Because of his effort, positive attitude, and strong swimming skills, he’s earned an invitation to join our aquatics team after he completes lifeguard training. His story shows how this program can change lives both in and out of the water.”

Keeping the Program Afloat

The Safety Around Water program is free for families, but it depends on the support of donors and community partners. Contributions help fund staff training, safety equipment, transportation, and even swimsuits for kids who need them.

“Generous support from organizations like Reliant, Poolcorp, and our Annual Campaign donors makes this program possible,” says Marioli. “Every gift helps us reach more children and keep them safe, alive, and thriving.”

Help Us Keep Kids Safe

Your support of the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program helps prevent drownings and gives children across North Texas the confidence to enjoy the water safely.

Donate today to support Safety Around Water