In partnership with the Cooper Foundation, the Greater Waco YMCA is doing their part to keep kids safe in the water — with a free afterschool program for La Vega ISD. “One of the best things about school partnerships is that they have the transportation to get the kids to and from here, so we can maximize our reach with the kiddos,” Bates says. The four-week program teaches elementary aged children essential water safety skills. With each lesson the kids gain confidence in the water which, in turn, reduces their risk of drowning. Aquatics Director Evan Bates describes children as having ‘jubilant fear’ when learning to swim. He says the only way to ease your anxiety in the water—is by taking the plunge. “Give it up, get over that aversion and that fear,” Bates adds. That’s why La Vega ISD and the Greater Waco YMCA have teamed up to conduct free after school swim lessons. “It’s not just been learning how to swim. It’s learning the safety aspect of being in and around the water–and having life saving skills as a result, ” Bates says. More than 1,800 kids from Central Texas take part in the YMCA’s safety programs every year.