Third-graders learn swimming basics at the Y

Twin Rivers YMCA kicked off its annual water safety program on Wednesday, when busloads of school children joined with volunteers and staff at the facility’s pool.

Over three weeks time, every third-grader in Craven County public schools will have the opportunity to learn basic water safety information, including the use of personal flotation devices, an introduction to swimming and how to secure the right kind of help for a swimmer in trouble.

“These children are getting exposure to a life-saving skill,” said Todd Shuart, YMCA executive director. “They’re going to gain some self-confidence around the water and a deeper understanding of being safe around the water.”

Volunteers joined groups of children at three stations around the pool. At the first station, flotation devices, the children donned vests and learned first hand that the vests provided some measure of safety in the deep water. Volunteers in and out of the water kept a close watch as the children tested their skills.

From there, the children proceeded to a swim instruction station with a swim coach. The children who cannot swim remained at the very shallow end of the pool. A lifeguard, volunteers and teacher’s aides rimmed the pool.

Becky Kafer, a board member for both Craven County Schools and Twin Rivers YMCA, volunteered to teach the children at the “reach-and-throw” station. There the children learned important safety concepts, like never to swim alone, call for help for a swimmer in trouble and to not jump into the water to try to save someone. The children practiced reaching for a swimmer from the pool deck and tossing out the safety devices.

“Some of the children are not at all familiar with the water,” Kafer said. “I think it’s really important to teach them some water safety lessons and get over their fear of the water.”

In the process, the children have a little fun, too.

“They love it,” Kafer said. “Most of the children are very well behaved. I think it’s something they enjoy and they learn a whole lot at the same time.” 

P. Christine Smith can be reached at 252-635-5666 or pcsmith@freedomenc.com.