Hutchinson YMCA Relaunches Free Water Safety Program for Second Graders

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson YMCA has announced the return of its free SPLASH program, designed to teach essential water safety and swimming skills to second-grade students throughout Hutchinson and Reno County.

The program aims to address drowning, which remains the leading cause of accidental death among children, by providing critical swim instruction and water safety education at no cost to families.

"We're thrilled to welcome a new group of second graders who will learn essential life-saving water skills this school year," YMCA officials said in announcing the program's return.

All eligible schools in Hutchinson and Reno County have registered for the 2025-2026 school year, allowing the YMCA to serve more than 300 students through the initiative.

The SPLASH program focuses on building physical fitness, promoting health and developing confidence among young participants while teaching them to be safe in and around water environments.

YMCA staff emphasized that the program represents an investment in creating "a brighter, safer future" for area youth by equipping them with potentially life-saving skills during their elementary school years.

The program serves as part of the YMCA's broader community outreach efforts, targeting second graders at a developmental stage when children are building foundational swimming abilities and water awareness.

Registration and program details are available through participating schools and the Hutchinson YMCA.