Swim With Purpose and YMCA of Central Kentucky Provide Second Round of Free Water Safety Lessons for Frankfort Students

Frankfort, KY — March 5, 2026 — Following a highly successful water safety and swim lesson field trip last fall, Swim With Purpose, a charitable initiative for the restoration of the indoor aquatic facility at Kentucky State University (KSU), is once again partnering with the YMCA of Central Kentucky to provide a water safety field trip and free swimming lessons for elementary students in the Frankfort Independent School District.

On March 13, 50 fourth-grade students will participate in "Frankfort Swims," a two-hour water safety field trip at the North Lexington Family YMCA. Students will receive instruction on pool, life jacket and boating safety while also learning foundational swim skills, including kicking, floating, bobbing and paddle strokes.

The inaugural field trip in September 2025 introduced second- and third-grade students from Frankfort Independent Schools to essential water safety skills and foundational swimming techniques. View videos of YMCA swim lessons with students at Frankfort Independent School District last fall.

Drowning Risk Remains a Serious Concern for Children

According to the most recent analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14. Primary risk factors include limited swim ability, lack of water safety education, unsupervised access to water and increased recreational exposure, especially during warmer months.

"The September program was a tremendous success," said Sam Taylor, Chairman & Co-Founder of Swim With Purpose. "Watching second and third graders gain confidence in the water, develop lifesaving skills, and experience the excitement of learning to swim was inspiring for everyone involved, students, teachers, and volunteers alike. It set a strong foundation for this month's program with the fourth graders."

Taylor added, "We're incredibly thankful to Paula Anderson and the YMCA of Central Kentucky for their ongoing partnership and dedication to water safety, and to Sheri Satterly for her steadfast commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the students at Frankfort Independent Schools."

Paula Anderson, President & CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky, added, "We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Swim With Purpose again. Programs like these empower kids by giving them the skills and confidence that could absolutely save their lives."

Sheri Satterly, Superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools, said, "Seeing our young students build confidence and joy in the water was incredible last fall. It was so much more than just a field trip -- it was a meaningful, life-changing experience. We look forward to having our fourth graders experience the same benefits."

Community Support Needed for KSU Pool Restoration

In January, Swim With Purpose received an anonymous pledge of $400,000 toward the KSU pool renovation project, contingent upon securing $600,000 in additional funding commitments from the City of Frankfort and Franklin County by March 30, 2026.

"We are making progress and gaining support from local elected officials, but as the deadline looms, we need the residents of Frankfort and Franklin County to reach out to their representatives to support the importance of restoring this community resource," explained Taylor. "This additional funding, combined with Swim With Purpose contributions, can have the KSU pool operational within 150 days after construction begins."

The KSU pool renovation project aims to restore safe, modern access to aquatic programming that serves residents across Franklin County. Once reopened, it will provide a multitude of critical opportunities for:

• Youth swim programs and water safety education
• Community recreation and wellness activities
• Competitive and instructional swimming
• Expanded access to healthy, low-impact exercise for residents of all ages

For questions or additional information, please contact: Sam Taylor, Chairman & Co-Founder, Swim With Purpose, [email protected].

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 Kentucky State University 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.