BRINGING FREE SWIM LESSONS TO DALLAS ISD
Learning to swim is an important life skill, but not every child has access to traditional swim lessons. That’s why the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and Dallas ISD are working together to bring water safety education to more children across our community.
Safety Around Water for Dallas ISD Students
If your child’s Dallas ISD school is participating in Safety Around Water, they have the opportunity to learn important water safety and swimming skills during the school day at no cost to your family.
Here’s what parents should know:
- No cost to families
Lessons are provided free of charge to students at participating Dallas ISD schools. - During the school day
Students participate as part of their regular school day. - Transportation is provided
Dallas ISD transports students between their school and the pool. - Swim gear is available
The YMCA provides swimsuits for students who need them. - Qualified instruction and supervision
YMCA-certified swim instructors teach the lessons, with YMCA-certified lifeguards providing additional supervision. - Dallas ISD staff are present
Teachers accompany students throughout the program, and Dallas ISD field trip guidelines are followed.
Safety Around Water gives students an opportunity to build confidence in the water and learn skills that can help them stay safer in and around pools and other bodies of water.
If your child’s school is participating in Safety Around Water, the school will share program dates and provide families with the opportunity to register their child to participate.
FREE FOR FAMILIES
Participating Dallas ISD students receive Safety Around Water instruction at no cost to their families.
DURING SCHOOL DAY
Lessons take place during the school day at nearby pools, with transportation provided by Dallas ISD.
LIFESAVING SKILLS
YMCA-certified swim instructors teach essential swimming and water safety skills that help children become safer and more confident in the water.
Watch the Program in Action
Watch our program overview to see how students travel to the pool, meet their YMCA instructors and practice important swimming and water safety skills.
PROGRAM IMPACT
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas' Safety Around Water program helps children build the skills and confidence they need to be safer in and around water.
3,037+ Students
across Dallas Independent School District have participated in our DISD Safety Around Water program since Spring 2025
28+ Campuses
with schools participating such as Harry Stone Elementary, Hotchkiss Elementary, J.P. Starks Elementary, J.Q. Adams Elementary, Marcus Leadership Academy, and H.S. Thompson Elementary
7+ Regions
across Dallas have SAW DISD programs, reaching areas such as South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, East Dallas, West Dallas, Oak Cliff, Southeast Dallas, and North Dallas
You can really tell the impact that the swim lessons have on the kids. I remember one day I was visiting a friend at an apartment complex that I had taught lessons at before and as we were walking by the apartment pool I saw one of my previous students teaching his little sister the same skills I taught him at Safety Around Water. I was so amazed on what I saw and realized that what I can teach them in 30-minute lessons can go so far.
— Tyler Shannon, a lifeguard for Safety Around Water
WHAT IS SAFETY AROUND WATER?
Did You Know?
Drowning is the leading cause of death for Texas children ages 1–4.*
Teaching children how to be safe around water is a necessity. Safety Around Water (SAW) is the YMCA’s water safety and drowning prevention program designed to help children build confidence in and around water while learning essential skills that can help them respond in an unexpected water situation.
Through eight 40-minute lessons, children practice a sequence of important water safety and swimming skills, including:
- Safely entering and exiting the water
- Submerging and resurfacing
- Floating and gliding
- Jumping in and returning to the wall
- Rolling onto their back to breathe
- Swimming and moving toward safety
- "Jump, Push, Turn, Grab" and "Swim, Float, Swim," are two important skill sequences children can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
- Recognizing water safety risks and what to do if someone else needs help
Safety Around Water helps give children practical skills, greater confidence, and a stronger foundation for staying safe around water.
*Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, 2026 State Child Fatality Review Team Committee Biennial Report.
Learn more about the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Safety Around Water program, our work throughout the community, and how we are helping more children gain essential water safety skills.