A Beacon of Hope: Honoring Kyrie Larry's Legacy Through Water Safety Awareness

A Community United in Remembrance and Action

On an emotionally charged Tuesday morning, the Palm Beach County community gathered at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ Aquatic Center, drawn together by a shared purpose: to honor the memory of Kyrie Larry and fortify the commitment to water safety. The occasion marked not just a remembrance but a forward-looking initiative, as the Boca West Children’s Foundation bestowed upon the YMCA a significant adaptive swim instruction grant. This grant is not only a tribute to Kyrie, a three-year-old boy with autism whose life was cut tragically short by drowning, but also a clarion call to action. The ceremony saw Timothy Coffield, President and CEO of the YMCA, presenting a commemorative plaque of Kyrie to his grandfather, Deputy Kenneth “Coach T” Torrence, symbolizing a lasting commitment to preventing future tragedies.

Strengthening Safety Through Adaptive Swim Programs

The $10,000 donation from the Boca West Children’s Foundation earmarked for the Y’s Adaptive Swimming Program underscores the critical need for specialized water safety education. This program is specifically designed to equip children with physical and cognitive challenges, including those on the autism spectrum, with essential swimming skills. Given the natural attraction to water many children with autism experience, coupled with a heightened risk of drowning, the importance of such programs cannot be overstated. The Adaptive Swimming Program at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that children, regardless of their abilities, have access to the skills, confidence, and respect for water that are vital for safety.

A Legacy of Service and Safety

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has been a pillar of the community for over a century, offering invaluable programs, activities, and services to children, seniors, and families. Its mission to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive is manifest in its dedication to inclusivity and safety. The organization's ongoing Capital Campaign for a new community center at Lake Lytal Park, set to open in late 2026, is a testament to its commitment to serving the community’s needs. Through initiatives like the Adaptive Swimming Program and the support of organizations like the Boca West Children’s Foundation, the YMCA continues to honor Kyrie’s memory and reinforce the imperative of water safety education.

The collective efforts of the Palm Beach County community, as demonstrated in this poignant ceremony, highlight a profound commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its youngest members. By addressing the critical need for adaptive swim instruction and water safety awareness, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, together with its partners, is making significant strides toward ensuring that tragedies like Kyrie’s are prevented. It is through such collaborative endeavors that the community can turn grief into action, honoring Kyrie’s legacy by fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for all children.