TRENTON, N.J. - eTradeWire -- Swim lessons don't just teach kids how to stay afloat—they save lives, build confidence, and create opportunities for children of all abilities to thrive.

That was the message Faith Beauzile delivered to New Jersey lawmakers as she testified last week before the Assembly about the impact of swim education on her 10-year-old son, Jackson Ford, who has autism, and the urgent need to expand access to water safety programs statewide.

"In the three months since starting these lessons, swimming has become more than just an activity for Jackson, it's become a transformative outlet," shared Beauzile of Ewing. "His confidence has grown tremendously. Recently, he proudly told me, 'Mom, now I'll be able to save you if something happens.'"

Beauzile joined YMCA leaders at the hearing to urge legislators to allocate $450,000 in state funding for the YMCA's Safety Around Water program, which provides swim instruction and water safety education to thousands of children and adults across New Jersey.

"Drowning remains a significant and preventable public health issue," testified the President and CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance Julie Gallanty. The YMCA Alliance represents 30 YMCA associations and 82 branches across the Garden State.

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According to the New Jersey Department of Health, Gallanty stated, "an average of 50 to 60 drowning deaths occurs annually in the state with a significant proportion involving children under 14. This risk is particularly high in communities with limited access to swim education and safety programs."

New Jersey YMCAs currently teach swim lessons to more than 32,000 individuals each year and certify 2,200 lifeguards. Through a new partnership with the New Jersey State Trooper Association, YMCAs are also helping aspiring state troopers meet the swim requirements necessary to serve. "This initiative not only enhances public safety but also promotes greater diversity within the state trooper ranks by eliminating swimming as a barrier to entry," Gallanty said.

Gallanty expressed gratitude to the legislature and the Murphy administration for allocating $450,000 of funding in the current fiscal year budget to support the YMCA Safety Around Water program to expand swim instruction throughout New Jersey. However, she said access remains limited with many New Jersey residents "depending on state funding to receive swim instruction."

"Without an ongoing commitment of state dollars to bolster these programs, the drowning rate in New Jersey will continue to increase," Gallanty testified. "We believe that every child and adult in New Jersey deserves the access to potentially life-saving swim instruction and water safety education."

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Following the hearing, Gallanty encouraged New Jersey families and individuals to contact their state legislators and voice their support for expanding access to water safety instruction. "Every New Jersey resident deserves the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills," she added.

For more information on YMCA water safety programs and how to support this initiative, visit the YMCA Alliance website at www.njymca.org.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.