YMCA of Coastal Carolina Launches “Pool on Wheels” to Deliver Free Water Safety Lessons to Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties

YMCA of Coastal Carolina Launches “Pool on Wheels” to Deliver Free Water Safety Lessons to Williamsburg and Georgetown Counties
 
In partnership with Williamsburg County, Georgetown County, Open Space Institute, and generous donors
 
Press Conference: Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Andrews Recreation Center | 220 S Cedar Ave., Andrews, SC
 
WHAT:
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is proud to introduce its innovative Pool on Wheels program—a mobile, above-ground portable pool designed to bring free water safety education and swim lessons directly to communities in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Y’s Vision 2030 strategic plan to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills, regardless of location or ability to pay.
Launched in partnership with Williamsburg County, Georgetown County, the Open Space Institute, and made possible through the support of generous donors, this program is designed to remove barriers to swim education in communities and save lives through prevention and access. 
 
WHEN:
Thursday, June 5, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Press Conference & Swim Lesson Demonstrations
 
WHERE:
Andrews Recreation Center
220 S Cedar Ave., Andrews, SC 29510
 
WHO:
Speakers include:
• David Byrd, CEO, YMCA of Coastal Carolina
• Erin Pate, Development & Community Relations, Open Space Institute
• Kelvin Washington, County Supervisor, Williamsburg County
• Angela Christian, County Administrator, Georgetown County
• Jody Tamsberg, the Tamsberg Family Foundation
 
WHY IT MATTERS:
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death by injury for children aged 1–4 in the United States. In the coastal South Carolina region, where communities are surrounded by water, access to swim instruction is a matter of life and death.
 
The YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program provides free, accessible water safety education—and now, through the Pool on Wheels, it reaches children in rural areas without traditional swimming facilities.
 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
• Free Swim Lessons: All lessons provided are at no cost to families.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Students learn essential skills including floating, treading water, and safe entry and exit.
• Community Collaboration: A key initiative in the YMCA’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to ensure water safety for all.
 
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
• Thursday, May 29: Pool assembly, setup, and staff training beginning at 9 a.m. at Andrews Recreation Center. Interviews available with Jeremy Black or Blue Estrada of Aqua Blue Pools. Visuals of the fire department filling the pool once assembled.
• Thursday, June 5: Press conference with remarks from community leaders, followed by swim lesson demonstrations beginning at 11 a.m.
 
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR FREE SWIM LESSONS:
Families interested in registering for free swim lessons through the Pool on Wheels program can visit www.coastalcarolinaymca.org/pool-on-wheels/ or contact Donna Brown Cumbee at (678) 362-1271 for more information.