This past Tuesday, the Edgartown School third grade class visited the YMCA for the second installment of the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard Third Grade Water Safety program. The teachers relayed that the students couldn’t wait to come to the Y, and were talking about how excited they were all morning.
Each year, 125 Island third graders participate in the fun and educational program known as Third Grade Water Safety, as a part of the Y for All Community Outreach Program, kept alive through community financial support. Kelly Neadow, Y Aquatics and Camp director, says, “This program is designed to help educate our Island youth in safe water practices. By participating in two one-hour water-safety sessions, students learn how and when to use a personal flotation device safely, basic swim skills, basic small-craft safety, what to do if you capsize a small boat, and precautions for safely assisting those in trouble in the water without entering the water themselves. During each of the sessions the students also enjoy about 15 minutes of recreational swim time to have some fun, and end the session with a trip down the water slide — a program highlight!”
Edgartown School teacher Summer Clements, a graduate of Martha’s Vineyard schools, said, “Our kids are so lucky to have this program and the Y; we didn’t have this when I went to school on the Island. The kids are taking big chances in this program. Those who are scared or don’t know how to swim can cope by getting into the water and going down the slide.”
One of Ms. Clements’ students, Leiliane Dias, wrote before class, “I’m excited to go to the YMCA because I want to learn how to swim and get over my fears of deep water. Last Tuesday, I was afraid of swimming in deep water and I was using a life jacket.”
After their first visit, Edgartown School teacher Tess Temple says, “you could hear a pin drop in the computer class following their water-safety field trip. They were so exhausted from releasing so much fun energy in the pool all morning. This program is great, because it brings them together as a class.”
Fun and learning doesn’t stop here. The goal of the Y Water Safety and other free Y Community Outreach programs is to help keep our kids and community safe, active, and healthy all year long. As part of that mission, the Y hosts the annual Healthy Kids Day, which will take place Saturday, May 2, from 11 am to 2 pm, and is a free family fun and fitness day open to the community. Together with the support of community youth partners and volunteers, the event celebrates healthy living, having fun, and strengthening family bonds.
Sarah Soushek is the director of mission advancement, financial development, marketing, and communications for the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard.