Community Honors Kyrie Larry with Grant to YMCA for Water Safety Program

The Palm Beach County community recently gathered to honor the memory of Kyrie Larry, a three-year-old boy with autism who tragically drowned earlier this year, by strengthening the YMCA's commitment to water safety through a significant grant. The event, held at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ Aquatic Center, saw the Boca West Children’s Foundation present a $10,000 donation to the Y’s Adaptive Swimming Program. This program is crucial for teaching children with physical and cognitive challenges, including autism, essential water safety skills.

During the ceremony, YMCA President and CEO Timothy Coffield presented a commemorative plaque of Kyrie to his grandfather, Deputy Kenneth 'Coach T' Torrence, symbolizing the community's ongoing dedication to preventing such tragedies. The grant will directly benefit the Adaptive Swimming Program, which addresses the heightened drowning risks faced by children on the autism spectrum, who are often naturally drawn to water.

Notable figures from the community, including Palm Beach County District 3 Commissioner Joel Flores and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Eric Coleman, attended the event, highlighting the collective effort to promote water safety. The YMCA of the Palm Beaches, with over a century of service to the community, continues to emphasize the importance of inclusive programs that ensure all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to learn and thrive in safe environments.

For more information on the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and its programs, visit https://www.ymcapalmbeaches.org.