The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that after its successful launch during the summer, a full rollout of Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Youth Swim Ready” pilot program initiative this fall. This program will offer free swim lessons to eligible youth in communities across the County.
“In light of the remarkable success we witnessed with our pilot program offering free swimming lessons for youth, we are excited to announce the launch of an expanded fall program,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The urgency for such initiatives cannot be understated, as alarming statistics reveal that a significant number of children face the risks of drowning due to inadequate swimming skills. Our commitment to addressing this issue remains strong, and as we expand our efforts, we aim to reach even more children in our community, equipping them with the life-saving skill of swimming. Together, we can make a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our youngest residents.”
Keeping in line with Chairman Granados’ 2023 theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” this program will run from October to December through the Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Gateway Family YMCA. This initiative was designed to cater to two age groups: 3-5 years old and 6-12 years old. It is highly encouraged that residents sign up as soon as possible, as spaces are limited with 78 available spots.
Children/participants must reside in low-income households, they must check off one of the qualifying criteria and provide proof with their enrollment: QCT, TANF, SNAP, NSLP, SBP, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start and Early Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women (WIC), Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, and Pell Grants.
The swim program will be conducted at two convenient locations:
Rahway Branch – 1564 Irving Street, Rahway:
For 3-5 yr. olds:
- Thursdays: 5-5:40p (6 max) (11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
- Sundays 8:15-8:55a (6 max) (11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17)
- Sundays 10:30-11:10a (6 max) (11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17)
For 6-12yr. olds:
- Tuesdays 5:40-6:20p (6 max) (11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19)
- Wednesdays: 5-5:40p (6 max) (11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20)
- Sundays 9-9:40a (6 max) (11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16)
- Sundays 12-12:40p (6 max) (11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17)
Five Points Branch – 201 Tucker Avenue, Union:
For 3-5 yr. olds:
- Mondays 4-4:40p (6 max) (10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18)
- Wednesdays 4:45-5:25 (6 max) (11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20)
- Saturdays 12-12:40p (6 max) (11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16)
For 6-12yr. olds:
- Thursdays 5-5:40p (6 max) (11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
- Thursdays 7:20-8p (6 max) (11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
- Saturdays 9-9:40a (6 max) (11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16)
For more details about the application, including income requirements or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org, or contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.