This summer, 96 Adelante Charter School (ACS) campers dove into five weeks of 25-minute group swim lessons through a longstanding partnership with the Montecito Family YMCA.

Each child received five sessions — totaling 480 lessons — ranging from first-time swimmers conquering fears to water-safe students refining strokes.

The YMCA provided partial scholarships, with the remaining funding secured by ACS ELOP director Erika Maldonado and director Javier Bolivar.

“We’re so grateful to the Montecito YMCA for offering partial scholarships to our students,” said Maldonado. “For many of our families, swim lessons would be out of reach without this support. This partnership gives our children skills that will last a lifetime.”

“Partnerships like this make all the difference,” said Marshall Hoopingarner, YMCA aquatics director. “Not only are kids gaining swim skills, but they’re learning to feel confident and safe in the water.”

Students were grouped by ability following a swim test, and progress was tracked to ensure mastery of foundational skills. Nearly all advanced to Stage 3 or higher, able to swim to safety from longer distances, coordinate arm and leg movements, and use rhythmic breathing.

“Earlier this year, I was nervous to go kayaking in the harbor because I didn’t know how to swim,” said an incoming fifth-grader. “At first, I was scared to get in the water, but now I feel much more comfortable and I’ve learned the basics. I’m proud that I can enjoy the water without feeling afraid.”

Every participant improved, with many overcoming fears, the school said

“Our instructors consistently remarked on how quickly this group advanced,” said Hoopingarner.

At the program’s conclusion, each child received a certificate of completion.

“Through our partnership with Adelante Charter School, we are giving every child we can the chance to swim, not just for safety, but for the confidence, joy, and skills that open new doors for a lifetime,” said YMCA leadership.

“Living so close to the ocean, starting swim lessons here at the Montecito Family YMCA expands their world, offering opportunities and experiences to explore it all,” they said.