Marion Y offering cheap swimming lessons for kids from low-income families

MARION - Starting Monday, children ages 3 to 10 who come from families with household incomes of less than $40,000 a year are eligible to take swimming lessons for $5.

The program was made possible by a $3,000 grant from YMCA of the USA as part of its efforts to improve water safety.

The swimming lessons will take place Monday through Thursday at the Marion Y until Sept. 4.

There will be two sessions available, from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. and from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Families can sign up by contacting Aquatics Director Becky Weaver at (319) 377.7361 or weaver@crmetroymca.org.

Nationally, about 1 in 5 people who drown every year are under age 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency estimates that on average, three children a day die from drowning.

'Educating children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” said Weaver in a statement. 'The Y teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives it builds confidence.”