If you ask Cecilia about her love of swimming, she will say that she has been swimming at the Y for as long as she can remember. 
Her mother was a lifeguard at the San Diego YMCA from ages 15 – 24. “I’m glad that my mom got that experience when she was young so that she could instill it in us,” shared Cecilia.

You can often find Cecilia in the Redlands or Highland YMCA pool, either working out with water aerobics and laps or enjoying the water. And thanks to Cecilia and her mom, that passion for swimming has been passed down to the next generation. She frequently brings her son, niece, and nephew to the Y, saying, “It’s a great place to go swim, you know, where it’s a safe environment,” said Cecilia. “Not all the pools in the community are safe… so we like coming [to the Y and] being active.”

Cecilia also shared, “We’re kind of in the financial bind right now because I’m off work on disability and I’m grateful that we’re able to get the scholarship and pay a little to be able to come.”

Your support of the YMCA helps remove the barriers that many families face. Your generous donations fund water safety programs and scholarships for families like Cecilia’s and help ensure that access to swim lessons builds a community of strong, confident swimmers for generations to come.