A local athlete hopes children can learn values and safety from proceeds raised during a Sunday YMCA event.

The Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 W. Bethany Road, will host its first swimathon Sunday. Those swimming for the fundraiser are asked to raise at least $25.

The participants can complete a one-mile swim or compete with others in a 15-minute race, and the money raised will go toward providing community members with swimming lessons and water safety skills.

“Personal safety, water safety, stroke development, personal development and fun and games are among what is taught during swim lessons,” said YMCA Aquatics Director Lesley Webster.

Webster said the event’s main goal is to ensure people know how to be safe around water.

David Kuhn, 61, is a YMCA member and Ironman finisher. He was interested in starting a swimathon at the Kishwaukee YMCA when he heard how successful the same type of event was at a YMCA on the East Coast.

The Kishwaukee YMCA was also interested in hosting a swimathon based on the story a 4-year-old. The boy fell into water; although a lifeguard jumped in, the child was disappointed the lifeguard tried to save him because the boy had learned swimming moves at his YMCA.

“When adults get into trouble, they know when to yell … kids don’t think that way. They go under and they sink,” Kuhn said. “It’s important for kids to learn how to swim so they can avoid situations like that.”

Dirk Miers, NIU Swim Club president and Water Polo Club vice president, believes swimming is a great learning tool.

“Swimming shows you get out of it what you put into it, [and is] great for showing the value of work…, a great team building exercise,” Miers said. “If people have a little nudge out the door than it can really help them.”

YMCA Development Director Debbie Madeley said donators can give by visiting firstgiving.com and searching for the YMCA or by contacting the YMCA.