The American Red Cross of Central Illinois, in partnership with the Bloomington-Normal YMCA, is proud to celebrate the successful conclusion of a summer swim and water safety program for 50 children from the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal.

The month-long program, held July 1–31, combined pool time with classroom-based education using the Red Cross Longfellow’s WHALE Tales curriculum, teaching children essential skills to stay safe in and around water.

"It’s incredible to see how much the children have learned in just a few weeks," said Tim Ready, Senior Director of Aquatics for the Bloomington-Normal YMCA. "Programs like this not only teach critical safety skills, they build a love of swimming and water activities that will last a lifetime."

End-of-Program Celebration

WHEN:                Friday, August 1, s2025

TIME:                  1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

WHERE:             Bloomington-Normal YMCA, 202 St Joseph Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701

Media Opportunities

• Interview Red Cross and YMCA leadership, program participants, and their families.
• Capture visuals of children demonstrating their new water safety skills.

B-ROLL:              Access here    

"Every child deserves the confidence that comes from knowing how to be safe around water," said Lyn Hruska, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving Central Illinois. "This program gives children the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe, and we are grateful to the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club for helping us make that possible."

To find Red Cross swim programs or download the free Red Cross Swim app, visit redcross.org/watersafety. The Red Cross Swim app can help children and adults learn with kid-friendly video and activities on mobile devices. Do your part. Be “water smart.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About the YMCA:

Established in 1855, the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is the oldest continually existing human service organization in McLean County. Serving more than 20,000 people annually, the YMCA is dedicated to instilling Christian principles through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. As a charitable, nonprofit organization, the Y seeks to establish programming in the community for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, please visit www.bnymca.org.