The YMCA of South Florida is hosting its annual Beach Ball Gala, themed Olympian Tides, on Saturday, October 4, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. The event, which includes a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment, and auctions, aims to raise funds for the Y’s water safety and drowning prevention initiatives. Title Sponsor is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Presenting Sponsor is Nicklaus Children’s.
All proceeds support financial assistance for the Y’s aquatics programs, including free and subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth, wet and dry safety lessons, Swim for Jenny, and resources for families. This effort is critical as Florida continues to lead the nation in child drownings, with Broward and Miami-Dade counties reporting the most drowning deaths in the state. At least 40% of children have little or no swimming ability, a figure that rises to 64% among some minority groups. Formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%, yet many families lack access. The Y’s Aquatic Financial Assistance Program helps bridge this gap, teaching more than 50,000 children and adults annually.
“Because every life saved is a victory we all share, we must keep funding and improving our programs to continue providing swim lessons and water safety education to more children and their families,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “We appreciate the support of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Nicklaus Children’s and all our amazing sponsors.”
The Y also highlights the risk of underwater hypoxic blackout, which can occur during breath-holding games and affect even strong swimmers. The Y’s eight-lesson drowning prevention program teaches children to be safe in and around water, and its Mobile Aquatics program travels to low-income neighborhoods to educate children and caregivers.
Select sponsorships and early bird tickets for Beach Ball 2025 are now available, ranging from Silver at $3,000 to Diamond at $25,000. For more information, visit ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball/. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Aimee Fretwell at AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org or 954-334-9622, ext. 1045.
Additional sponsors include Brown & Brown Insurance, Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities, Related Group, Milner, Spirit Airlines, Ryder, Club Med, ANF, Matrix, Gulf Building, JM Family Enterprises, and Royal Caribbean Group.
