The Riverbrook Regional YMCA will hold its 7th Annual Swamp Romp at the Wilton Family Y this Saturday, March 11 to raise funds to benefit the Y’s youth programs.

Board members and staff will brave the frigid water of the Kiwanis Pond in the annual effort to support the 3,500 children who participate in year-round programming at the YMCA–especially children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to take part in classes and programs offered by the Wilton Family Y.

This year more than 25 “rompers” (as the Y likes to call those who are jumping in) have decided that they are bold enough to take the ultimate cold-water plunge. All of them are Wilton Family Y staff or board members who willingly participate to show their support and dedication to the Y and the invaluable programs it offers to the communities of Wilton, Norwalk and Redding.

The rompers who will take that freezing dip are Patricia Bam, Alex Baxter, Zack Block, Molly Blosser, Charisse Drogalis, Desi Edwards, Kimberly Fejes, Christene Freedman, Mary Ann Genuario, Judy Higby, Patty Kane, Mike Kaz, Clay Larsen, Geoff Malyszka, Renee Malyszka, Bob McDowell, Mike McGowan, Juan Medina, Kim Murphy, Steffen Nobles, Dave Roger, Lara Schnitzler, Cecilia Staunton, Wahoos swim coaches and Michelle Wishna.

One such child for whom the rompers take the plunge is 10-year-old Jordan Powell, and the more than 600 children from Norwalk like Jordan that the Wilton Family Y hosts each summer for free swim lessons as part of Swim Access. Statistically, children from non-white demographic groups like those in Norwalk are often at increased risk of drowning and lack recreational outlets that help ensure swimming competency and water safety. According to national data from the YMCA:

  • Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning; of these, two are children aged 14 or younger.
  • Drowning ranks 5th among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.
  • Children who cannot swim are more likely to drown. The statistics for African-American children are starker than for white children the same age:  70% of African American children cannot swim, and the fatal drowning rate of African American children ages 5-14 is almost three times that of white children in the same age range.

For Jordan, not only was his experience at the YMCA something that helped him learn to swim, but it was fun too, as he told YMCA staff:

“My summer was filled with excitement. The most fun I had was the time I spent at the Wilton Family YMCA. I am a stronger swimmer because of my summer at the Wilton Family YMCA. I was afraid to swim in deep water, but after weeks of lessons, I am much better than before! Now I can swim in the deep end of the pool with my friends! When I get older I want to be a lifeguard so that I can help other kids learn how to swim. Most importantly, I can help someone if they are struggling in the water.”

Like it is for Jordan, the Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy and safe habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. But the benefits are far greater than physical health–whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good citizenship, participating in youth development programs at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out.

The Swamp Romp supports other programs in addition to Swim Access. Rompers are also raising funds to:

  • help reduce the achievement gap by sending children from Norwalk to summer camp to participate in STEM programs
  • promote self-reliance for young adults with special needs in the Roaring 20s Program
  • increase family time for a low-income families by providing annual memberships
  • provide a safe place after school for children of working parents
  • send a YMCA team to the CT Special Olympics

To help open the door to all deserving children wanting to reach their full potential, support the annual Swamp Romp at the YMCA by visiting the campaign website.

For more information visit the Riverbrook YMCA website or inquire at the front desk at the Wilton Family YMCA location.