PENSACOLA, Fla. (May 11, 2023) — In partnership with Zarzaur Law, P.A., the YMCA of Northwest Florida is excited to announce the second season of the Zarzaur Law “Zingrays” swim team.
This team will provide a developmental opportunity for swimmers who have basic competence in the water but may not be ready for a competitive school or community team. Under the direction of Bonnie Steffensmeier, Regional Aquatics Director.
“We are very proud to continue our support of this developmental swim team,” Joe Zarzaur, founder and lead attorney at Zarzaur Law, P.A., said. “This team allows all participants to grow and accomplish more than they ever thought they could, no matter their skill or economic level.”
The 40-member team (increased from 30 the previous year), made up of youth swimmers 4–18 years old, will practice at the Hunter Pool and plans to participate in four meets this summer. Because of the sponsorship of Zarzaur Law, P.A., the cost to families is just $100 for the summer. Additional financial assistance is available from the YMCA on a sliding scale if that fee is still out of reach.
“When we think about the Y and swimming, our first thoughts are safety, and that’s a good thing. We certainly want every child to be safe in and around water. But our partnership with Zarzaur Law takes water safety so much further. Through the Zarzaur Law Zingrays swim team, we can talk about discipline, sportsmanship, and confidence—skills that these young swimmers are building as quickly as they build stamina in the water,” said, Andrea Rosenbaum, Director of Advancement of the Northwest Florida YMCA.
“Last summer, we watched swimmers—some as young as 4—develop in just a couple weeks. This year, we’re excited to welcome returning swimmers, plus some new team members, to again offer this opportunity to youth who might not otherwise have this experience.”
As summer approaches, pools and beaches become simply irresistible. But already this spring, there have been local stories of rescues and drownings, including one of a teen who died while saving others. One drowning in our community is too many. The YMCA’s first commitment is to teaching water safety. The Zarzaur Law Zingrays swim team is next level—an incentive for these youth to see how far their swimming can take them. Perhaps we have some future competitors and lifeguards for our community right here on this team.
The team will also be mentored by members of the Zarzaur Law, P.A. Triathlon “Gavel” team. The mission of the Zarzaur Law triathlon team is to serve as ambassadors for the sport of triathlon and to volunteer in our community for various philanthropic causes.
To apply for one of the limited number of spots on the Zarzaur Law Zingrays swim team, please contact Bonnie Steffensmeier by email or 850-438-4406 ext. 101.
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About Zarzaur Law, P.A.
Joe Zarzaur is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney whose firm is dedicated to promoting community safety since2007. OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE: Serious Personal Injury, Product Defect, Auto Accidents, Cycling Accidents,Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Products Liability, Wrongful Death, Boat and Jet Ski Accidents, Slipand Fall Injuries, and more. Licensed in Alabama and Florida. www.zarzaurlaw.com
About YMCA Northwest Florida
Northwest Florida is served by the Bear Levin Studer, Northeast, and Pullum Branches of the Y. Last year, the local Y reached 18,000 children and adults in wellness, childcare, sports, camp, aquatics and community outreachprograms and gave away $414,589 in financial assistance and mission impact activities. www.ymcanwfl.org
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