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YMCA asks Gadsden Council for $12,000 to fund school-based water-safety readiness ahead of new pools
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Summary
Heidi Darbo of the YMCA of the Coosa Valley told the Gadsden City Council that roughly 2,500 elementary students in nine schools lack public-pool access and urged a $12,000 investment to deliver school-based water-safety education, training kits and a co-branded media campaign before new pools open in 2027.
Heidi Darbo, representing the YMCA of the Coosa Valley and the Alabama YMCA Alliance, asked the Gadsden City Council on Feb. 17 to fund a school-based "Safety Around Water" readiness program ahead of two new public pools scheduled to open in 2027. "An investment of $12,000 would equip all the schools and add that media piece," Darbo said, summarizing the YMCA’s proposal.
Darbo told the council that Gadsden City Schools enroll approximately 2,500 elementary students across nine schools and that most students currently lack access to public pools or regular swim lessons. She said the YMCA has piloted the land-based program in nearby communities and reaches more than 2,000 students and families each year through school and community events.
The YMCA’s model, which Darbo said aligns with national water-safety priorities advanced through YMCA of the USA, would use PE-ready curriculum and training kits so school PE teachers can deliver instruction. The proposal also includes family engagement materials, a "water watcher" campaign that encourages adult supervision, and a co-branded media package and proclamation materials for the city and mayor to use as pools open.
Darbo said the program is intended as a preventive, school-focused initiative rather than a replacement for facility-based swim lessons. She noted local law-enforcement partners and a statewide alliance have signaled support: "The sheriff has already committed to this program and several other municipalities are on board." Darbo also described prior outreach at the public library and community spaces as part of previous pilot efforts.
Mayor Craig Ford and multiple council members praised the presentation and asked staff to follow up. Councilman Robinson said the program was "much needed" for a city with rivers, creeks and new pools at hand. The mayor indicated staff would get the YMCA's contact information and return with next steps for potential city support.
The YMCA’s immediate request to the council was the one-time $12,000 investment to equip schools and support the media campaign; Darbo said additional program materials and a one-page summary were provided to council members.
What’s next: The council did not take a formal vote on funding that morning; council members expressed general support and asked staff to continue discussions with the YMCA on implementation details and timing.
