News & Events

Become a Certified Lifeguard!

Looking for a rewarding way to make a difference while developing valuable lifesaving skills?

The Grand Island YMCA is hosting an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course on September 12 and 13. Participants will receive hands-on training in lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and AED use while earning an industry-recognized certification.

Whether you’re interested in working as a lifeguard or simply want to gain lifesaving knowledge, this course provides the training and confidence to respond when it matters most.

Registration closes September 5 and space is limited. Click here for complete course details and registration information.

The Grand Island YMCA Child Care Program recently partnered with the Central District Health Department to help support the health and well-being of the children in our care. Through this partnership, students received dental screenings and access to preventative dental services at no cost to families.

Investing in children’s health today helps build healthier, brighter futures tomorrow.

July 8, 2026 Screening Results

• 41 of 77 students participated in at least one dental service
• 53% participation rate
• 33 students showed no obvious dental concerns
• 7 students were referred for early dental care
• 1 student was referred for urgent dental care

Services Provided

In addition to dental screenings, students received:

• 32 fluoride varnish applications
• 13 Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) treatments
• 26 dental sealants
• Oral health supply bags for all 77 students

Community Impact

The total value of services provided to YMCA families was $3,555, all at no cost to the daycare or participating families. These screenings and preventative services help identify potential concerns early while encouraging lifelong dental health habits.

We are extremely grateful to the Central District Health Department for partnering with us to provide these valuable services and help keep our children smiling, healthy, and ready to learn.

The Grand Island YMCA is proud to be featured in a recent Central Nebraska Today article by Grand Island native Carol Bryant. The feature takes a closer look at the YMCA’s impact on our community, our vision for the future, and the possibilities a new aquatics center could bring to Grand Island for generations to come.

We invite you to read the full article and learn more about the people, programs, and purpose that continue to make the Grand Island YMCA a cornerstone of our community.

Click here to read it. Please note that you will be directed to an external website.

Stay active, explore new routes, and make the most of your summer with our six-week Summer Run Club. This program is designed to build endurance, keep you motivated, and connect you with others in a fun, supportive group setting. Each week features a new running location selected by the Sports Director, keeping every session fresh, engaging, and different.

Run together. Stay motivated this summer.

Program Details

Dates: July 20 – August 24
Time: Mondays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Locations: Rotating weekly locations announced throughout the season

All fitness levels are welcome.

Registration Fees

YMCA Members: $30
Non-Members: $60

All registered participants will receive an exclusive Run Club shirt.

Special Opportunity

Run Club participants can use code 26RUNCLUB to receive $5 off registration for any State Fair Marathon event on August 29. Participants who register for a State Fair event will also receive a race shirt and admission to the State Fair on race day.

Questions

For more information, contact Nate Smith at [email protected]

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest Donates $25,000 to the Grand Island YMCA
Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest, through its Commonwealth Cares initiative, has generously donated $25,000 to the YMCA in Grand Island, NE. This donation underscores Commonwealth’s commitment to illuminating lives and serving the community…

We believe every child needs to have the opportunity to learn to swim and play youth sports, especially if there is no room in the family budget for either. Participating in youth sports helps to improve physical and mental health, social and life skills, as well as academics. Operation Splash and Everyone Plays, Everyone Wins are YMCA programs supported by the Heartland United Way. This partnership gives free swim lessons and free sports registrations to kids who otherwise would not be able to participate.*

*This opportunity is open to those who qualify for Title XX or Free/Reduced price lunches.