03-04-2025
New safe swim initiative launches in Pittsfield to prevent youth drownings
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A new community-led initiative is diving headfirst into drowning prevention, offering local middle school students life-saving swim instruction during the April school break.
The Stop Youth Drowning: Safe Swim Berkshire Initiative, set to run April 21–25, is a free weeklong pilot program created in response to a rise in youth drowning incidents in Berkshire County.
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Launched in partnership with the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center (GABCC), Berkshire Family YMCA (BFYMCA), and Pittsfield Public Schools (PPS), the program aims to equip students with essential water safety skills, while fostering leadership and advocacy. Inspired by the tragic drowning of a local young woman during a school trip last summer, Dulye stepped in with both personal funding and passion to develop a program in her memory.
'I instantly felt the need to take action,' Dulye said. 'These are life-saving skills—and they also give young people the chance to grow as leaders and peer advocates for safety, inspiring others to shed fears and learn to swim.'
Held during spring break, the initiative will provide students with direct instruction from certified aquatic professionals, swimsuits, daily lunch, and a safe learning environment. But the impact is intended to go beyond basic skills–students will be encouraged to share what they learn with peers, spreading awareness about water safety in their communities.
'While we offer swim lessons year-round, we've found that teens often miss out on these critical opportunities,' said Prashad Abeysinghe, Aquatics Director at GABCC, who helped shape the curriculum. 'This program is about changing that.'
The program also received vital support from Pittsfield Public Schools. PE teacher Jennifer Roccabruna played a key role in coordinating outreach to families and helping recruit students. 'We believe no child should lose their life due to a lack of access to water safety education,' Roccabruna said. 'This program builds the knowledge and skills to stay safe and support one another.'
Claire Langlois from BFYMCA also contributed to program development, working closely with instructors and community organizers to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants. As the pilot kicks off, organizers hope it will become a model for a broader community initiative aimed at eliminating youth drowning through education, accessibility, and empowerment.
'These are life-saving skills,' said Dulye. 'They also give young people the chance to grow as leaders and peer advocates for safety.' With additional funding and continued collaboration, the Safe Swim Berkshire Initiative could expand in the future to reach even more local youth across the region.
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