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Swim for Jenny South FL YMCA

Swim for Jenny South FL YMCA

501(c)(3)

Classification:
Water Safety, Swimming Lessons

Recipient:
South Florida YMCA

Purpose:
Providing youth instruction on how to swim to prevent drownings.

Media Contact:
Tongelia Milton
Associate Vice President, Event Operations & Marketing

Swim for Jenny South FL YMCA

The “Swim for Jenny” program, hosted annually by the YMCA of South Florida, is a heartfelt initiative born from tragedy. Named in memory of 12-year-old Jenny Nguyen, who tragically drowned because she never learned to swim, the program seeks to transform grief into life-saving action. Each year, during “Swim for Jenny Week,” the YMCA offers five days of free swim lessons to children and adults across South Florida, aiming to prevent similar tragedies by promoting water safety and swimming skills.

Since its inception in 2013, “Swim for Jenny” has provided over 100,000 swim lessons to more than 25,000 participants. The program not only offers instruction but also provides free swim attire to children in need, removing financial barriers that might prevent families from accessing essential water safety education. With Florida leading the nation in child drownings, and drowning being the leading cause of death among children ages one to four, this initiative addresses a critical public health concern.

“Swim for Jenny” stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of compassion. By turning personal loss into a mission to save lives, the program embodies hope and resilience. Through education and outreach, it fosters a culture of safety and awareness, ensuring that Jenny’s legacy lives on in every child who gains the confidence and skills to navigate the water safely.

Take a look at the 2025 Swim for Jenny Week recap video:

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation is a proud supporter of the YMCA of South Florida and the water safety initiatives they provide to our Florida community.

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.