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Partnership Supports Lifesaving Water Safety Education Across Central Florida

Water Safety Program

Classification:
Partners

Purpose:

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Programs

Partnership Supports Lifesaving Water Safety Education Across Central Florida

Support from the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation is helping the YMCA of Central Florida expand access to critical water safety education and drowning prevention programs across multiple YMCA locations throughout Central Florida. 

In a region surrounded by lakes, pools, and coastlines, water safety is more than recreation—it’s essential. Through swim lessons, safety programming, and lifesaving education, more children, families, and individuals are gaining the confidence and skills needed to stay safe in and around the water.

For many participants, financial assistance through the YMCA makes these opportunities possible. Support from the Foundation helps remove barriers to access, ensuring more families can participate in programs that save lives, strengthen families, and build safer communities.

The impact of these programs can be heard in the Y’s First Friday Conversations podcast series.

In one episode, local high school student Pierce Seymour shares how the YMCA became more than just a place to go after school. After earning his lifeguard certifications, Pierce joined the YMCA staff and says it’s a place where teens can find their footing, build confidence, and learn life-changing skills they can share with others.

Another episode features Carolyn, a longtime friend of the YMCA and passionate advocate for the Safe Start program. Carolyn first came to the Y seeking more than swim lessons for her children—she was looking for peace of mind. Carolyn’s story is especially powerful because the skills her child learned through the program ultimately helped save their life. Her experience is a reminder that teaching children to be safe and confident in the water isn’t just a seasonal activity—it’s a lifelong skill with life-saving impact.

Together, partnerships like this are helping create a safer future for Central Florida families—one swimmer, one lesson, and one life at a time. We are proud to partner with Central Florida YMCA. 

Watch Episode 4
Featuring Pierce Seymour

Watch Episode 5
Featuring Carolyn: Safe Start Program Advocate

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The owner of the registered trademark for ENDLESS SUMMER® is Bruce Brown Films, LLC. Bruce Brown is a pioneer in the surf culture and created the classic surf documentary “The Endless Summer®”. Bruce Brown Films, LLC supports the Foundation’s goals, and has graciously allowed the Foundation to use the “Endless Summer®” name for this important fundraising and awareness effort. The Endless Summer® Florida specialty license plate,  Surfing Capital® merchandise, and Endless Summer® specialty license plate sticker were created by Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as a revenue source to assist with our financial quest to preserve Florida Beaches. All proceeds benefit the Foundation. Endless Summer® is a registered trademark of Bruce Brown Films, LLC and is used under license. The graphic design of the surfer on the beach at sunset is a copyrighted design owned by Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, © 2008. SURFING CAPITAL® is a registered trademark of Ron Jon Surf Shop of Fla., Inc. THE STOKED EXPERIENCE® is a registered trademark of Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation, Inc. A copy of Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Registration no# CH41137.