Busch Gardens and Water Country USA Announced as Drowning Prevention Signature Sponsor for YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas

Newport News, VA – April 28, 2025—The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas is proud to announce its partnership with Busch Gardens Williamsburg® & Water Country USA® as its signature drowning prevention sponsor. This collaboration aims to enhance water safety education and provide essential resources to prevent drowning incidents in the community.  

Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA will support the YMCA's Second Grade Learn to Swim drowning prevention program, in which the Y provides all second graders in 11 school systems across the Virginia Peninsulas, including the city of Newport News and the counties of Mathews, Middlesex, Richmond, Northumberland, Lancaster and Isle of Wight public schools, with a free water safety lesson. Thanks to this partnership, each child who completes the program this year will receive a complimentary single-day ticket to either park in 2025 as a congratulations on their accomplishment.

Water safety tips will be displayed throughout Water Country USA, which guests will see this season. This will enable the YMCA to expand its reach and impact, ensuring more children and families have access to vital water safety education.

"We are thrilled to partner with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas in their mission to prevent drowning and promote water safety," said Kevin Lembke, Park President of Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA. "Our parks are committed to the well-being of our community, and this sponsorship aligns perfectly with our values of safety and family fun," said Lembke.

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has a long-standing commitment to water safety, offering programs that teach swimming skills and educate individuals on how to stay safe in and around water. Drowning Prevention Statistics:

• Every year in the United States, there are over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths.
• Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4.
• For children ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death.
• On average, there are 11 drowning deaths per day and 22 nonfatal drownings per day.  

"We are grateful for the generous support from Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Water Country USA," said Adam Klutts, President and CEO of YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. "Their partnership will make a significant difference in our efforts to prevent drowning and ensure everyone in our community can enjoy water activities safely."  

For more information about the drowning prevention programs and how to get involved, please visit ymcavp.org.

ABOUT BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG® & WATER COUNTRY USA®

Busch Gardens® Williamsburg is an action-packed European-themed adventure park with 17th-century charm and 21st-century technology, boasting more than 100 acres of family fun. Home to top-rated roller coasters, more than 50 rides and attractions, award-winning entertainment, and signature events throughout the year. Busch Gardens is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at UnitedParks.com.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF THE VIRGINIA PENINSULAS

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas is a cause-driven charity that has been strengthening communities on the Virginia Peninsulas for almost 130 years through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the Association, 18 facilities engage 50,000+ men, women, and children — regardless of age, income, or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Peninsula Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.www.ymcavp.org

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