Phoenix Neely

My name is Phoenix Neely, and I am 19 years old. 

I had the opportunity to experience the SPLASH! drowning prevention program when I was in the second grade at Enders Elementary School. 

SPLASH! taught me to not be afraid of the water and not to panic if something happens while in the water. 

One memory I have from SPLASH! was doing a "rocket," you go under water, and then you had to shoot up fast. SPLASH! also taught me how to float, something that helps me to this day. 

My favorite memory was the last lesson when the water slide was turned on. We got to go down the slide lots of times! 

Now as a staff member at East YMCA Early Learning Center, I'm very happy that I get to see other kids get the same experience in SPLASH!