YMCA to offer swimming lessons to students

The Pulaski YMCA is happy to announce a restored partnership with Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS) to offer free Water Safety and Introduction to Swimming lessons to all second-grade students. These classes will promote and teach water safety and introduce children to swimming in a controlled, nurturing environment.

The Pulaski YMCA has long been committed to serving the youth of the New River Valley. This includes ensuring students are prepared for the water-related activities our community has to offer.

“With Claytor Lake, the New River, Little River Reservoir and Gatewood Reservoir and other rivers and streams within the County, we felt this would be an outstanding opportunity to teach our students the importance of water safety and give them the chance to learn how to swim under the direction of certified lifeguards”, said PCPS Superintendent Robert Graham.

This is the first week these lessons have been offered since before the pandemic. The classes are open to second graders at all Pulaski County Elementary Schools. More than 50 students have participated so far with lessons to continue throughout the year. Multiple lifeguards, instructors, YMCA and PCPS staff were on hand to help children navigate the lessons in a safe and enjoyable setting.

Accommodations have been made to ensure students with various backgrounds and abilities are able to take part in this and learn basic water safety and be introduced to swimming.

“It is great to see so many kids enjoying and learning in our YMCA pool. We appreciate our partnership with the Pulaski County School System and thank Superintendent Graham, the school principals, and the Pulaski County School Board for working closely with the YMCA to provide this resource to the youth of our county,” said YMCA CEO Dave Adkins.