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Free Water Safety Programs Across Kentucky
This fall, Swim With Purpose is funding free swimming and water safety instruction for approximately 490 Henderson County third graders at the Henderson County Family YMCA, free swim lessons for 40 children and teens at the Telford Community Center YMCA, and the third "Frankfort Swims" field trip for Frankfort Independent Schools second graders at the Whitaker Family YMCA.
WFIE NBC 14
Third graders take part in water safety training at Henderson YMCA
Henderson County third graders take part in free water safety training at the Henderson County Family YMCA, hosted by Swim With Purpose, with more than 490 students to be taught through next spring.
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WEHT/WTVW ABC
Henderson County YMCA to teach local kids water safety
Tri-State coverage of the Henderson County Family YMCA's free water safety program for local third graders, funded in partnership with Swim With Purpose and Henderson County Schools.
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Spectrum News
Free YMCA program teaches kids life-saving water safety skills
More than 60 Frankfort Independent Schools second graders learn swimming basics, life jacket use and water safety at the Whitaker Family YMCA on the "Frankfort Swims" field trip.
Watch VideoSwim With Purpose Partners With Telford Community Center YMCA to Provide Free Swimming Lessons and Water Safety Education
Swim With Purpose has partnered with the Telford Community Center YMCA to provide a grant that supports free swim lessons for 40 children and teens. Two four-week sessions, beginning October 6 and November 17, will teach foundational swimming skills and hands-on water safety practices across multiple swim levels and age ranges.
Read MoreThird Graders Take Part in Water Safety Training at Henderson YMCA
WFIE (NBC 14) covers the free water safety training for third graders at the Henderson County Family YMCA, hosted by Swim With Purpose in partnership with Henderson County Schools, which will teach more than 490 students through next spring.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Joins Henderson County Family YMCA and Schools to Expand Free Water Safety Program to 490 Third Graders
Swim With Purpose has joined the Henderson County Family YMCA and Henderson County Schools as a new funding partner of the county's Safety Around Water (S.A.W.) program, providing free swimming and water safety instruction to approximately 490 third graders. Students from nine elementary schools will take part in a four-day program at the Henderson County Family YMCA from September 2026 through March 2027, with transportation provided to and from school.
Read MoreHenderson County YMCA to Teach Local Kids Water Safety
WEHT/WTVW (ABC) covers the Henderson County Family YMCA's free water safety program for local third graders, funded in partnership with Swim With Purpose and Henderson County Schools.
Read MoreFree YMCA Program Teaches Kids Life-Saving Water Safety Skills
Spectrum News covers the "Frankfort Swims" field trip, where more than 60 Frankfort Independent Schools second graders learned swimming basics, life jacket use and water safety at the Whitaker Family YMCA with Swim With Purpose.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose and YMCA of Central Kentucky Provide Third Free Water Safety Field Trip for Students at Frankfort Independent Schools
For the third school semester in a row, Swim With Purpose is partnering with the YMCA of Central Kentucky and Frankfort Independent Schools for "Frankfort Swims," a free water safety field trip for approximately 65 second graders on Friday, September 25, at the Whitaker Family YMCA. Students will receive hands-on instruction for pool, life jacket and boating safety, as well as foundational swimming skills, following earlier field trips for second and third graders in September 2025 and fourth graders in March 2026.
Read MoreFree Swimming Lessons Offered to Frankfort Residents, KSU Students and Staff
WUKY (NPR) covers Swim With Purpose's free swim lessons and water safety program at Juniper Hill Aquatic Center, including an on-air segment with chairman and co-founder Sam Taylor on the organization's pivot from restoring the KSU pool to funding 5,000 swim lessons.
Swim with Purpose Brings Free Swim Lessons, Water Safety Education to Frankfort
LEX18 covers Swim With Purpose's free swim lessons and water safety program at Juniper Hill Aquatic Center, highlighting the critical need for water safety education in Kentucky, where approximately 70 people drown each year.
Read MoreWater Safety is Key: Swim With Purpose Offers Free Swim Lessons at Juniper Hill Aquatic Center
The State Journal covers Swim With Purpose's free swim lessons and water safety program at Juniper Hill Aquatic Center, highlighting the partnership with the YMCA of Central Kentucky and the City of Frankfort Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Department.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose, YMCA and Frankfort Parks Partner to Provide Free Swim Lessons and Water Safety Education to Community
Swim With Purpose is partnering with the YMCA of Central Kentucky and The City of Frankfort Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Department to offer free swim lessons and water safety classes for up to 40 community members. The five-day program will take place July 27–31 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Juniper Hill Aquatic Center, with instruction for all ages and skill levels in pool, boating and life jacket safety, and foundational swimming skills.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Expands Mission to Offer Free Swim Lessons and Water Safety Programs to Community
After three years of dedicated fundraising and community advocacy, Swim With Purpose today announced a strategic turn in its original mission, dedicating approximately $400,000 in donor-raised funds to providing free swimming and water safety education for residents of Franklin County, as well as KSU students and faculty. Rather than allowing resources to remain unused after the KSU pool restoration project could not secure required local government funding, Swim With Purpose is redirecting its efforts toward programs that deliver immediate and lasting community benefits.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose and YMCA of Central Kentucky Provide Second Round of Free Water Safety Lessons for Frankfort Students
Following a highly successful water safety field trip last fall, Swim With Purpose is once again partnering with the YMCA of Central Kentucky to provide "Frankfort Swims," a water safety field trip for more than 50 fourth graders in the Frankfort Independent School District on March 13 at the North Lexington Family YMCA. Students will receive instruction on pool, life jacket and boating safety while learning foundational swim skills including kicking, floating, bobbing and paddle strokes.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose and YMCA of Central Kentucky Provide Free Water Safety and Swim Lessons to Students at Frankfort Independent Schools
For the first time in Frankfort history, Swim With Purpose has partnered with the YMCA of Central Kentucky to lead a two-part water safety field trip and free swimming lesson program for elementary students in the Frankfort Independent School District. Approximately 115 second- and third-grade students at Second Street School will participate in water safety instruction and introductory swim lessons on Sept. 22, with extended programs available Oct. 6-10.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Named 2025 Beneficiary of Bourbon on the Banks for Second Consecutive Year
Swim With Purpose (SWP) has once again been named a beneficiary of the 2025 Bourbon on the Banks Festival. Proceeds from Peggy Noe Stevens' signature event, "The Stave is the Rave," will benefit the restoration of KSU's indoor aquatic facility. This marks the second year in a row SWP has been selected to benefit from this premier bourbon experience, supporting swim lessons, aquatic exercise, and community engagement in Frankfort.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Adds Lifelong Frankfort Resident and Community Advocate Ann Hartley-Smith to Board of Directors
Swim With Purpose (SWP) has welcomed Ann Hartley-Smith, a lifelong Frankfort resident, community activist, and fitness professional, to its Board of Directors. Hartley-Smith brings decades of leadership, service, and personal passion to the role, with a background in public service, fitness, and advocacy for health and wellness. Her experience includes roles in the governor’s office, Franklin County Schools, and the Public Health Department, as well as work as a YMCA trainer, swim instructor, and CrossFit gym owner. As a mother of eight, including a Paralympic athlete, she is deeply committed to making the Exum Center pool restoration a reality for the community.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Receives Donation from Bourbon on the Banks Festival for KSU Aquatic Facility Restoration
Swim With Purpose (SWP) recently received a generous $5,000 donation from Bourbon on the Banks Festival, matched by SWP for a total of $10,000 toward the restoration of KSU’s indoor aquatic facility. The donation accelerates the project’s design and construction phases, bringing the community closer to a revitalized pool for health, recreation, and therapy.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Appoints Chuck Geveden to Board of Directors
Swim With Purpose (SWP) has appointed Chuck Geveden, a Frankfort community activist, business leader, and law-enforcement professional, to its Board of Directors. Geveden brings over 12 years of corrections industry experience, strong community involvement, and a proven track record of leadership to the SWP mission of restoring the KSU aquatic facility. He is also active in local law enforcement and numerous community organizations, and will help raise awareness and support for reopening the KSU pool.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Grants $50K to KSU to Complete Next Phases of Aquatic Renovation; Matches Donations Through Year-End
Swim With Purpose (SWP) has made a $50,000 grant to fund the design and construction phases of the KSU aquatic facility renovation, bringing the project closer to restoring swimming opportunities for KSU, the YMCA, and the Frankfort community. SWP is also matching all donations through year-end to help reach its $1M goal. The grant and matching campaign aim to restore a vital resource for health, recreation, and safety in Frankfort.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose to Highlight KSU Aquatic Facility Restoration at Bourbon on the Banks 2024 Festival
Swim With Purpose (SWP) will participate in multiple events at the Bourbon on the Banks 2024 Festival, with 100% of net proceeds from a featured food pairing event benefiting the KSU aquatic facility restoration. SWP will also be involved in a VIP reception, bourbon auction, and family-friendly events, all supporting the mission to restore swimming opportunities in Frankfort.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose will receive net proceeds from exclusive Oct. 4 event “The Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing”
Swim With Purpose has been named a beneficiary for the Bourbon on the Banks 2024 Festival and will receive net proceeds from the exclusive “The Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing” event. The festival supports the restoration of the KSU aquatic facility and highlights the need for year-round access to a local indoor swimming pool in Frankfort.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Celebrates One-Year Anniversary; Receives Substantial Donation Through Corporate Sponsor Promotion
Swim With Purpose is celebrating its one-year anniversary and has received a substantial donation pledge from Peerless-AV, who will donate $100 for every 75” Neptune™ Partial Sun Outdoor Smart TV sold, up to $25k. The campaign supports the restoration of the KSU aquatic facility and highlights the ongoing need for community support.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose partners with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery for specialty blend, raises $10,000 for KSU pool renovations
Swim With Purpose partnered with J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery for an exclusive bourbon barrel pick event, raising over $10,000 for the renovation of the Kentucky State University aquatic center. Fifty bottles of the specialty blend were claimed by donors, supporting the restoration project.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Receives Generous Donation from Commonwealth Credit Union
Swim With Purpose received a large donation from Commonwealth Credit Union, bringing the organization closer to its $1M goal to restore the indoor aquatic facility at Kentucky State University. The donation helped fund a $75K grant to KSU, supporting the planning, design, and construction of the pool.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Provides $75K Grant to Kentucky State University to Begin Aquatic Center Renovations
Swim With Purpose has provided a $75K grant to Kentucky State University, delivering the necessary funding to officially start the renovation process for the William Exum Aquatic Center. The grant will help commence planning, design, and construction for the indoor pool, benefiting students, faculty, and the community.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Gives Thanks to Corporate Sponsors; Matches All New Donations Up to $100K Through Dec. 31, 2023
On Giving Tuesday, Swim With Purpose is giving thanks to its corporate sponsors and matching all new donations up to $100K through the end of 2023. The campaign supports the $1M goal to restore the KSU indoor pool, benefiting the Frankfort community, KSU, and YMCA members.
Read MoreWatch: Swim with Purpose Announces Its Partnership with Kentucky State University to Restore The Exum Center's Indoor Pool Facility
Watch the announcement of Swim With Purpose's partnership with Kentucky State University to restore the Exum Center's indoor pool facility. The video highlights the mission to bring swimming opportunities back to the Frankfort community.
Watch VideoSwim With Purpose and Kentucky State University Partner To Restore Exum Indoor Aquatic Center for Students and Community
Swim With Purpose and Kentucky State University have partnered to raise $1M to restore and renovate the William Exum Center's indoor aquatic facility, benefiting students, faculty, staff, and the Frankfort community. The partnership is endorsed by Michael Phelps and features a kick-off event at KSU.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Charitable Fund Endorsed by Michael Phelps; Summer Kickoff Party on July 6
Swim With Purpose, created to support the renovation of the KSU indoor pool, has been officially endorsed by Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation. The fund is hosting a Summer Kickoff Party on July 6, with raffles and prizes to help reach its $1M goal for the community aquatic center.
Read MoreSwim With Purpose Charitable Fund Launched to Restore KSU Swimming Pool for Students and Community
Swim With Purpose, a new charitable fund founded by AV executive Sam Taylor, has launched with the goal of raising $1M to restore the KSU swimming pool for students, faculty, and the Frankfort community. The fund will support renovations, maintenance, and swim programs at the William Exum Center.
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