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08/28/2024

YMCA and Iron Lives Partner to Promote Job Equity

a man swimming with a yellow object in the water

YMCA and Iron Lives Join Forces to Launch Equitable Opportunities for Student Growth and Employment

The YMCA of Central Virginia and Iron Lives have joined forces to launch "Swim to Work," a six-week work readiness and training program designed to guide high school students through the process of becoming certified lifeguards. To ensure equitable access, the YMCA will cover all certification and training costs, creating a pathway to gainful employment for the students.

Program Overview

After the hands-on six-week training course, participants will complete their lifeguard certification, including CPR, First Aid, AED, and water safety training. Students will gain valuable life skills while working closely with a certified lifeguard and experienced trainer. Upon completion, they will be ready to apply for lifeguard positions.

Lifeguard training in progress

Equitable Employment Opportunities and Water Safety

Theo Coates, Swim School Coordinator and Swim to Work Program Director, emphasizes the importance of equitable employment and water safety. "As someone whose mother was a lifeguard, learning to swim at an early age was essential. In addition to my mother's guidance, I took swim lessons at the YMCA of Central Virginia as a summer camp kid. It's a full circle moment to be certified as a Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, and Aquatic Fitness Instructor, now teaching children and adults of all ages to love aquatic activities. I am pleased to introduce a program that aligns closely with my experience. For some, this will be an opportunity to explore a world of possibilities they may not have imagined. For all, it will be an opportunity to grow as a swimmer, an employee, and above all, a leader."

No-Cost Access and Additional Benefits

The program is offered at no cost to participants and their families. The Y provides transportation to and from the sessions, which will be held at the Jamerson Family YMCA or the Downtown YMCA. Participants also receive a free YMCA membership as part of their benefits.

Impact on Students and the Community

Allison Jordan, Executive Director at Iron Lives, notes that this partnership goes beyond training: "IRON Lives is committed to helping youth become life-ready. Swim to Work is an opportunity to explore swimming as fitness for life and an avenue to employment. This type of exposure allows students to see different employment roles within the YMCA and enables multiple organizations to collectively impact our community."

Students practicing water safety

Kathy Thomas, Executive Branch Director for the Downtown YMCA, says that "Swim to Work" is one of many strategic efforts by the YMCA and their partners to create a better community for everyone. The YMCA’s newest initiative, BYMOC, mentors boys and young men of color. "Swim to Work is one of the programs that will be offered to BYMOC participants at no cost, along with several other opportunities for growth in our newly reimagined teen center coming this fall. The teen center will be open to all, serving students 13-17 years of age."

How to Participate

Swim to Work is available to students at EC Glass High School, Heritage High School, Brookville High School, and Jefferson Forest High School. Interested students should visit their school’s Future Center or contact their School Counselor for registration details and program dates.

Additional inquiries:

Contact Theo Coates at theocoates@ymcacva.org or Allison Jordan at allison@ironlives.com.

About the YMCA of Central Virginia

The YMCA of Central Virginia is a charitable nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the community by creating equitable access to life-strengthening tools and resources. The YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Learn more at www.ymcacva.org.

About Iron Lives

Vision: Iron Lives envisions a positive community in Central Virginia, filled with engaged citizens, skilled workers, and thriving families.

Mission: Iron Lives aims to be a bridge between students and the community by providing positive youth development, committed mentoring, and character-centered athletics.

YMCA of Central Virginia