Petersburg students will be safer this summer

The second graders at Walnut Hill and Stuart elementary schools in Petersburg, in partnership with the Southside Virginia YMCA in Petersburg and the Petersburg City Public Schools have taken part in a program called “Learn to Swim.” The six week program of instruction has included the importance of pool safety as well as beginning swimming […]

June 3, 2009; 9:06 AM • by brenda p

The second graders at Walnut Hill and Stuart elementary schools in Petersburg, in partnership with the Southside Virginia YMCA in Petersburg and the Petersburg City Public Schools have taken part in a program called “Learn to Swim.” The six week program of instruction has included the importance of pool safety as well as beginning swimming and survival techniques. The students have traveled weekly to the YMCA for their instruction.

According to the International Life Saving Federation, approximately 6,000 people drown in the United States every year. The majority of drowning victims are children age five or younger, young adults ages 20-25 and people over 60.

Drowning fatalities peak in the warmer seasons as people flock to the water for recreation and relief from the heat. Most occur where there is little to no supervision and take place during the summer months.

This has been a wonderful opportunity for the children of Petersburg to prepare for the season. “Our second grade students had a GREAT time taking swimming lessons at the YMCA,” said Helen Richardson, a JEB Stuart teacher.

“The instructors were excellent and very supportive of our children. This was truly a confidence inspiring experience and we now have many new swimmers. Thank you, YMCA!” Ms. Richardson added.

These students are now safer in and around the many swimming pools, lakes and shorelines of Virginia.

June 3, 2009 9:06 AM 0