Swimming Saves Lives: J. Douglas Williams YMCA in Lake Mary Makes a Splash in Water Safety and Swim Education

Florida is home to an abundance of beaches, backyard pools, lakes, and retention ponds. Knowing how to swim is not just a recreational skill — it’s essential for safety. That’s why the J. Douglas Williams YMCA in Lake Mary is leading the way in swim instruction and drowning prevention for all ages, from 6 months through adulthood.

In 2023, as part of the Central Florida YMCA network of 13 branches, the YMCA taught a remarkable 7,775 lifesaving swim lessons to children and adults across the region, while also certifying more than 125 lifeguards — many of them trained right here in Lake Mary.

At the J. Douglas Williams YMCA alone, swimmers can choose from 37 different swim classes every week, starting as early as 6 weeks old. The Y’s mission is to ensure that everyone can learn to swim, regardless of age or ability.

Take, for example, a local high school senior and football player who recently came to the Y for swim lessons. “He told us he was tired of missing out while his friends enjoyed swimming and playing water polo,” said Preslye Windisch, Aquatics Coordinator, J Douglas Williams YMCA. “Now, he’s in the water, learning to swim and gaining confidence every week.” It’s just one of many stories showing that it’s never too late to learn.

One of the most critical programs the YMCA offers is Safe Start, a nationally recognized infant drowning prevention initiative. Along with Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) techniques, Safe Start uses a behaviorally based, developmentally appropriate approach to teach even the youngest children how to survive in water:

“These are not just swim lessons — they’re lifesaving skills,” said Jessica Chamberlin, Aquatics Director for the Central Florida YMCA. “In a state surrounded by water, every child, teen, and adult should feel safe and confident around it.”

With a strong focus on inclusion, safety, and skill development, the YMCA is proud to be a trusted leader in water education throughout Central Florida. Whether you're a parent enrolling your infant in Safe Start, an adult learning to swim for the first time, or a teen athlete diving into new opportunities, the water is for everyone.

To sign up for swim lessons, Safe Start, or lifeguard training, please contact pwindisch@cfymca.org or visit the J. Douglas Williams YMCA to speak with one of our team members. 

About the YMCA of Central Florida:
The YMCA of Central Florida is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With 13 family centers across the region, the Y offers programs and services to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.