Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

Detroit Swims began in 2010 to ensure that every child in Metro Detroit has the opportunity to learn both water safety skills and swim.  

The Need:  Drowning is responsible for more than 1 in 10 unintentional injuries and deaths in children and adolescents. Reports have shown that 70 percent of children who reside in the Metro Detroit area have little to no swimming ability. This indicates a dire need to reduce water-related injuries and drowning deaths.

The Solution: The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit aims to change this narrative. We provide lessons at YMCAs, local schools, and community pools in the Metropolitan Detroit area to ensure that all children learn valuable life-saving skills regardless of barriers. Every obstacle is eliminated: We provide swimwear, towels, transportation, certified lifeguards, swim instructors, and all the encouragement a child needs to be safe around water.

The Goal: This year, our goal is to raise $30,000. With this and other funding, we aim to teach 1500 kids to swim and be safe around water and expand our reach by 20% in the coming year. No child should fear the water; $150 helps keep a child safe for life. Learn more about our impact on our website or Facebook page!