Swim With Purpose and YMCA of Central Kentucky Provide Free Water Safety and Swim Lessons to Students at Frankfort Independent Schools
Frankfort, KY — September 10, 2025 — For the first time in Frankfort history, Swim With Purpose, a charitable initiative dedicated to raising $1M for the restoration of the indoor aquatic facility at Kentucky State University's (KSU), 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.
On Sept. 22, approximately 115 second- and third-grade students at Second Street School will travel to the YMCA for a full day of water safety instruction and introductory swim lessons. Students who wish to continue their training can participate in an extended program comprised of four days of swim lessons plus additional water safety sessions from Oct. 6-10.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14. Additionally, more than half of U.S. adults have never taken a swim lesson, underscoring the critical need for water safety education at an early age.
"During the field trip, students will take part in both a dryland session on water safety and a pool session focused on basic swimming survival skills," said Sam Taylor, Chairman and Co-Founder of Swim With Purpose. "The October session includes lessons, transportation, and lunch, all provided free of charge. Swimsuits will even be supplied to students who don't have one."
Taylor added: "We are deeply grateful to the YMCA for their commitment to water safety initiatives in local communities and for generously offering the use of their facilities and staff to make this milestone possible. We also thank the Frankfort Independent School District for their enthusiastic support and for helping parents access the life-saving benefits of water safety and swim lessons for their children."
"This partnership is another way we're able to support youth in Frankfort," said Paula Anderson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. "By teaching lifesaving water safety skills and serving students after school at Second Street School, we're helping children build confidence, stay safe, and reach their full potential - in and out of the water."
Watch a Swim with Purpose podcast interview with Paula Anderson.
Sheri Satterly, Superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools, emphasized the value for families, "We are thrilled to provide our students with this extremely special opportunity. By working together with Swim With Purpose and the YMCA, we are removing barriers and ensuring that children have access to essential water safety skills, regardless of their background."
About Swim With Purpose
Swim With Purpose (SWP) is a charitable fund managed by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Founded by AV industry executive and passionate swimmer Sam Taylor, and endorsed by Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and the Michael Phelps Foundation, SWP aims to revitalize the indoor pool at the Exum Center for the benefit of students, faculty, and the broader community. The initiative will facilitate programs that foster inclusivity and healthy living. To support SWP, please visit: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/-swim-with-purpose.
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