The Michael Phelps Foundation has expanded its swimming education program to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. The foundation will implement its learn-to-swim program designed to grow the sport of swimming, decrease the risk of drowning and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle among children.

The “IM” program, as it is called, will have five distinct focus areas, water safety instruction, recreational aquatic activities, structured and organized swimming, health and wellness, and goal-setting education.

Participants earn medals as they advance through the curriculum with the opportunity to earn eight medals upon completion.

“We are thrilled to be selected by the Michael Phelps Foundation for this opportunity, said Kathy Haggart, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. “This program will help keep our club members safe in and around the water plus provide them the opportunity to be fit and healthy while having fun at the same time.”

The foundation will provide support through financial assistance, training, staffing, supplies, equipment, pool access and maintenance, and other support materials.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue will offer the program the summer beginning in June through its Caravan and Voyager programs at the Ground Zero Teen Center, South Bellevue Community Center, Main Club site and Teen Center of Excellence (TXL). Registration is open now.

More information is available at www.bgcbellevue.org.