Mayor Thurman Bill Barty presented a proclamation designating May 2025 as Water Safety Month at the May 20 Port Arthur City Council meeting and invited YMCA leaders to describe their programs.

Kevin Pearson, CEO of the YMCA of Southeast Texas, told the council drowning prevention is a priority and summarized the organization’s local activities: year-round swim lessons (starting at 6 months), a two‑week “safety around water” cohort for young children that teaches jump/turn/push/grab extraction skills, adult swim lessons and outdoor recreation events to build confidence around water. Pearson said the local YMCA teaches roughly 700 children per year and operates additional swim programs at Dornbos Park for neighboring Nederland.

“We prevent drowning. We teach children how to swim,” Pearson told the council, adding that confidence-building is central to the YMCA’s approach. The YMCA also described lifeguard and lifeguard-instructor training that it said has certified dozens of local lifeguards and instructors in recent years.

Council members thanked the YMCA for its work and noted the organization provides financial assistance so cost is not a barrier to participation. The YMCA representative also gave practical details for summer lessons: an eight-lesson session’s fee is $96 for nonmembers and $64 for YMCA members; financial assistance is available and no one is denied participation for inability to pay.

Ending — community note: The proclamation and presentation highlighted drowning-prevention and community recreation programs. City and YMCA leaders encouraged families to register early for swim lessons and screenings ahead of peak summer activity.