Third-grade students in Carson City are making waves at the Carson City Aquatic Facility with a new no-cost swim lessons program designed to provide youth with a rudimentary understanding of water safety and swimming ability.
Offered in partnership with the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space, the Carson City Health and Human Services and the school district, the program provides students with hands-on instruction in water confidence, safe swimming practices and introductory swim techniques in a supportive environment led by trained instructors. Organizers say the initiative aims to ensure more children have access to essential water safety education regardless of financial barriers.
“If the program is successful long-term, every student going through the Carson City School District will get a splash of water safety education, and ultimately curb the statistic locally,” said Mike Freeman, recreation program manager for the Carson Aquatic Facility. “Learning how to swim is an important life skill that can help keep children safe. By offering these lessons at no cost, we hope every student has the opportunity to build confidence in the water while learning important safety habits.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. And for children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
For many Carson City children, the program is their first experience participating in formal swim instruction. In addition to strengthening water safety knowledge, the lessons encourage physical activity, confidence and teamwork among students as they practice new skills alongside their classmates.
Throughout the lessons, students learn fundamental skills such as floating, kicking, breathing techniques and safe behavior in and around the water. The program also emphasizes the importance of water awareness as families head into the summer season.
Funding for the program has leveraged State of Nevada funding through an initiative to promote youth recreation. Those funds, however, will sunset this year. The primary expense for the program is the cost swim instructors. In order to continue the program, organizers are inviting community members and organizations to contribute to the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation. To donate to the Third-Grade Swim Program, click here.
