YMCA Swim-Able Program Removes Barriers for Young Swimmers in London Thanks to $207,600 OTF Grant from Ontario Government
On May 21, 2026, local MPPs Peggy Sattler and Terence Kernaghan joined YMCA of Southwestern Ontario to celebrate a three-year, $207,600 Grow grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in support of the expansion of the YMCA Swim-Able program in London.
YMCA Swim-Able is a one-on-one swimming lesson, or integrated group lesson with one-on-one support, that’s geared toward children and youth with disabilities and those who need some extra support in the water (ages 3-24). Each Swim-Able participant – including persons with disabilities, those who are developmentally delayed, or those who live with autism – has their own dedicated Swim Instructor for each lesson. The OTF grant is supporting staff wages, accessibility equipment and materials, and program outreach.
“The one-on-one nature of YMCA Swim-Able is what makes this programming so safe and meaningful for our young swimmers,” says Andrew Lockie, CEO, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. “We’re truly grateful to OTF for allowing us to expand this program and engage more children and youth in water-safety learning, new swimming skills, and the joy and self-discovery of being in the water.”
The Swim-Able program is offered at Ys across London: Centre Branch YMCA; StarTech.com Community Centre, YMCA, & Library; and Stoney Creek Community Centre, YMCA, & Library. Access is via a Y membership, with financial assistance (subsidies) available for families experiencing financial hardship. Those who are interested in participating may connect with Angelica Arsenault (angelica.arsenault@ymcaswo.ca) to learn more.
“The opportunity for children with disabilities to swim safely and feel confident in the water means a great deal to families across our community. Programs like YMCA Swim-Able create a welcoming and inclusive space where children of all abilities can build confidence, develop essential water-safety skills, and experience the joy of participation and belonging.
I want to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this important investment, and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario for their continued commitment to supporting children and families across our community. Investments like this help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
‒Terence Kernaghan, MPP for London North Centre
“Every child deserves the chance to be safe and confident in the water, and the YMCA Swim-Able program is making that a reality for children and youth with disabilities right here in London. I’m confident that this three-year investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help break down barriers, expand access, and give more young Londoners the joy and life-saving skills that come with learning to swim. The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario does incredible work in our community, and I’m proud to support programs like Swim-Able that are building a more equitable London, one swimmer at a time.”
‒Peggy Sattler, MPP for London West
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
