ERIE, PA -- The new Pennsylvania minimum wage and higher energy costs are affecting the YMCA of Greater Erie (PA). In fact, starting this fall, the Y will no longer offer free swimming lessons to its members due to the increased expenses, Erie, PA, TV station WHP-TV reported. On July 1, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage rose from $6.25 per hour to $7.15 per hour.

Although members will still be able to use the Y’s pool for free, individuals will pay $20 per session and families will pay $30 for swimming lessons. However, lower income members will be able to apply for free lessons, the Y told WHP-TV.

Last year, about 6,400 people took swimming lessons at the Erie Y’s five branches. Local Y officials say they recently learned that their facility was one of the few Ys in the country that did not charge for lessons.

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