The Kiwanis Club of Wilmington recently completed their first session of summer swim lessons at the Sabina Community Pool.
There were 57 participants in total from ages 4-14. Students participated in 12 small group lessons over a six week period, focusing on beginner and intermediate swim skills. Lessons were supported by a grant from the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation.
Clinton County Youth Council partnered with Kiwanis to offer transportation and financial assistance for participants.
“Learning to swim is a human right,” said CCYC Director Eric Guindon. “In a county without a YMCA or public rec center, there are limited opportunities for families to access affordable and local swim lessons. Many thanks to Kirstin Harris and the Kiwanis for taking charge in organizing and offering these lessons.”
“This was a great start toward our goal of year-round swim lessons for all,” said Kiwanian and Swim Lesson Chair Kirstin Harris. “We are keeping the momentum going this fall with lessons starting in September. We have plans to continue this winter, spring and next summer, too. I want this program to be a regular staple in the community.”
“Watching them be more comfortable and confident in the water makes me feel at ease as a parent, knowing that they will be safe near pools and lakes,“ said parent Anna Stockton.
“My kids really enjoyed these lessons and gained a great deal of confidence around water and learned about safety,” said parent Lacey Cottrell. “I am so thankful for the chance that they were given with their scholarships to do these lessons and they would love to be able to continue them!
“I was so excited when I was able to get my granddaughter involved in real swimming lessons at Sabina pool over this past summer. So many families do not have access to a pool large enough to really teach children the importance of knowing how to swim and be safe in the water,” said grandparent Nicole Richmond.
Fall swim lessons at WC
Registration is now open for fall session swim lessons that will be held at Wilmington College from Sept. 7- Oct. 3 with support from the Wilmington College swim team as instructors. More information can be found at fb.com/kiwaniswilmington.
Sponsors are welcomed to support fall swim lessons. Contact [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
