Project SAFE

For Pre-k, Kinder, and First Grade

The Greater Austin YMCA – in collaboration with Colin’s Hope – is working toward the goal of providing area pre-k, kinder, and first graders with critical safety, aquatics, and fitness education. The program is Project SAFE: Safety, Aquatics and Fitness Education.

Colin’s Hope provides Project S.A.F.E. with a multidimensional curriculum that touches on not only swim lessons but also on lessons that take place in the classroom and at home. This so-called “dry land” curriculum educates kids and caregivers on safety practices in and around water and provides materials that can be taught by parents, teachers, camp counselors, babysitters, and anyone else who cares about children and safety:

  • Drowning is quick, silent and preventable. The signs of drowning don’t look like what you see in movies and on TV.
  • Children should always wait for an adult before entering water.
  • Adults should never assume that more grown-ups equals more safety. Always designate a water guardian whose responsibility is to watch children in and around water.

Additional Information

The Greater Austin YMCA will provide swim instruction, safety education and fitness activities at no charge to parents. Classes take place at Greater Austin YMCA Centers.

Since the Project SAFE inception in 2009, the Greater Austin YMCA has provided free instruction to more than 19,000 children. For more information, contact Octavio Sanchez, 737-910-9604 or Melissa Hogle, 512-933-9622.

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Financial Support

Manor ISD

  • Decker Elementary

Wimberly ISD

  • Blue Hole Primary

Austin ISD

  • Andrews Elementary
  • Austin Achieve Academy
  • Barbara Jordan Elementary
  • Blanton Elementary
  • Casey Elementary
  • Guerrero-Thompson Elementary
  • Houston ES
  • Matthews ES
  • Oak Hill Elementary
  • Oak Springs ES
  • St. Elmo ES
  • Sunset Valley Elementary
  • Uphaus Early Childhood
  • Wooten Elementary

Hays CISD

  • Blanco Vista Elementary
  • Buda Elementary
  • Camino Real Elementary
  • Fuentes Elementary
  • Hemphill Elementary
  • Kyle Elementary
  • Ralph Pfluger Elementary
  • Science Hall Elementary
  • Tom Green Elementary
  • Tobias Elementary
  • Uhland Elementary