Making Waves: How the Water Works Program is Transforming Futures Across Chicago
Water Works is more than a swimming program — it’s a movement toward empowerment, connection, and skill-building for young people in our communities. Over the course of 12 weeks, from January 6 to March 28, the second cohort of the YMCA of Metroplitan Chicago’s Water Works program made a powerful splash in the lives of over 98 youth across the city and surrounding areas. Designed for young people ages 16 to 24, this initiative did more than introduce participants to water-based careers — it opened doors, changed lives, and built brighter futures.
“In my community and culture, ‘Water is Life’ and connects all of us” said Theodore Peterson, Water Works Director, YMCA of Metro Chicago. “Water Works demonstrates that by actively confronting and dismantling historical and systemic barriers, we can unlock new opportunities for everyone. Its initiatives have successfully helped participants develop lifelong skills, beyond just swimming, while fostering a sense of community and empowerment.”
Recruiting Through Relationships
By embracing a grassroots, community-centered approach, the program exceeded its recruitment goal by 109%. Youth from 27 Chicago neighborhoods — and even suburbs such as Downers Grove and Chicago Ridge — joined the program. Strong connections were forged in person at YMCA events and through strategic partnerships, such as the one that the McCormick YMCA built with Pritzker College Prep to help address transportation barriers.
Breaking Barriers, Building Equity
Water Works was designed with equity at its core — and it delivered. The program successfully engaged youth from historically underrepresented communities and created a welcoming, inclusive space for all. By removing barriers to participation and centering access and opportunity, the program empowered a diverse group of young people to explore careers in aquatics, many of whom had never before envisioned themselves in the water.
Certifications That Save Lives and Open Doors
Despite some youth entering the program with limited or no swim experience, 99% passed the American Red Cross Water Competency Test. Nearly all earned certifications in Lifeguarding, Basic Water Rescue, and CPR/AED, building both confidence and career-ready skills.
From Fear to Employment
Water Works offered more than just paid work experience, it provided transformative opportunities that changed the trajectory of young lives. Participants overcame personal fears, built critical life-saving skills, and gained industry-recognized certifications that opened doors to employment. 78 participants are on track to complete 180 hours of paid work experience — an 86% success rate. Improvements in scheduling flexibility and the addition of YMCA memberships helped participants stay engaged and meet their goals.
Stories That Inspire
One youth at Irving Park overcame a lifelong fear of water and now works as both a lifeguard and swim instructor. Another youth at McCormick YMCA confronted a traumatic near-drowning experience and is now training to become a certified lifeguard. At the South Side YMCA, a participant became the first in their family to learn to swim — breaking a generational fear rooted in tragedy.
Looking Ahead
The second Water Works cohort proved that when you remove barriers, invest in relationships, and design programming with inclusion in mind, real change is possible. As the YMCA prepares for future cohorts, the momentum is strong, and the ripple effect of this program will be felt for years to come. To learn more or get involved, visit our Water Works webpage.
