TOMS RIVER, N.J. - s4story -- Emma's family always worried she would find herself near a body of water and not be able to get out safely. Now she's a confident swimmer full of respect for the water. She is just one of more than 50 children with autism and other disabilities who learned vital, life-saving swimming and water safety skills this year through the Ocean County YMCA's ASAP – Adaptive Aquatics Swimming Program.

As the Ocean County YMCA (the Y) marks the completion of the 37th year of the program, the nonprofit thanks Community Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital for its generous financial support.

"The Adaptive Swimming Aquatics Program demonstrates our longstanding commitment to water safety and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential," said the Y Executive Director Gretchen Insole. "We're beyond grateful for the generous support of donors like Community Medical Center. Without their assistance, many families might not be able to participate in this critical program."

Water safety is a vital skill for youth, especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages one through four and is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages five through 14. Additionally, children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than the general pediatric population, according to the National Autism Association.

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Made Possible by a Depth of Funding

The financial assistance from Community Medical Center Foundation subsidizes the Y's Adaptive Swimming Aquatics Program and helps to secure essential items, including:

• Equipment to support vulnerable swimmers
• Staff training
• Extended pool time
• Parental education packets

"Community Medical Center is committed to partnering with our communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey," said Jennifer Shufran, vice president, Community Medical Center Foundation. "This relationship through the Adaptive Swimming Aquatics Program allows us to carry out our mission by making a positive impact in our community."

Nearly Four Decades of Year-Round Commitment

The Adaptive Swimming Aquatics Program initially launched at the Ocean County YMCA in 1988 with Special Populations swim lessons. Now, it is an all-inclusive and robust year-round program for individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ASD, Down syndrome, or any other type of developmental, physical or sensory challenge.

A variety of options from one-to-one instruction, group classes and a sensory swim hour are provided to ensure the Y best meets the needs of all participants. Program highlights include:

• Summer Adaptive Swim Program: An eight-week program that teaches comprehensive water safety and awareness skills.
• Safety Around Water Program: An offering which incorporates parents, so they can learn how to best assist their child.  
• Jumpstart Water Safety Weeks: A new offering, this one-week course will offer five daily lessons to help participants advance toward their goals.  

Each program is led by a certified swim instructor from the Y, who receives additional training in the YMCA Supporting Individuals with Disabilities in Aquatics Program.

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"We're equipping children with autism and other disabilities with critical water safety skills," said Y Aquatics Director Jaclyn Wyzykowski. "But the benefits extend far beyond the pool. We're building confidence, self-esteem, and friendships. I've seen swimmers graduate from one-to-one lessons to a small group class and then continue on to our summer swim team. Many participants who began with no swim experience are now able to save themselves should the need arise."

A Real-World Splash of Success

Emma Brezniak, the five-year-old with ASD and several other diagnoses, joined the Adaptive Swim Program at the Ocean County Y this past summer after her grandmother Kelly Anne Brezniak heard about the program. She enrolled Emma as part of the community outreach lessons at the Toms River Recreation pool.

Each week, Emma's confidence and skill set grew, thanks in large part to her highly trained and compassionate instructors. In September, she became an official member of the Y community, so she can continue to improve her water safety skills as well as her social and emotional well-being.

"Since joining, Emma has learned to love and respect the water," said her grandmother. "Her instructors have been amazing, teaching her to jump, dive, swim, float, and enter and exit the pool safely. We look forward to continuing this program so Emma can continue to increase her confidence and safety in and around water."

To learn more about the adaptive swimming program and other aquatics offerings at the Y, visit https://ocymca.org/programs/aquatics/.

About Ocean County YMCA
For over 50 years, the Ocean County YMCA, based in Toms River, has been a vital part of the community, serving more than 15,000 people annually with programs that empower youth, support families, and improve health and well-being. We bring together people from all ages and backgrounds, ensuring everyone can access our life-changing programs, from swim lessons and child care to mental health support and job training. In 2024, we provided $50K in financial assistance to help our Ocean County neighbors learn, grow and thrive. See how we strengthen people and communities at OCYMCA.org.