A large percentage of children drown within 6-10 feet of safety. Most of these drownings happen, because of a lack of basic water safety knowledge and skills.

The CDC ranks SC as the 9th highest rate in the US for pediatric drownings.

Across Colleton and Dorchester Counties, seven organizations are partnering together to launch the program this summer. The partnership unites the Summerville Family YMCA, Colleton County Parks & Recreation, Dorchester County Parks & Recreation, Colleton Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center, Colleton County School District, and Dorchester School District 4 with a joined mission to teach children how to swim and increase swimming safety and education in our communities.

They will be transporting a portable pool to Colleton County for 2 weeks of swim lessons and then to St. George for 2 weeks. 5 lessons per kid, $1 per lesson. If they fill every slot,  they will be able to teach 700 kids how to swim!

If children possess even the most basic swimming skills, their risks of drownings decrease substantially. Learning the basic skills, in our lessons plans, builds a sense of accomplishments in children and helps prevent drowning. This program is designed for children who have had little to no swimming experience.

DORCHESTER COUNTY WHEN: July 31 – August 11 TIME: 5, 30-minute sessions are available at 9:00am, 9:35am, 10:10am, 10:45am, 11:20am, 11:55am FEE: $5 per child AGES: 5-11 LOCATION: 60 Minus Street, St. George, SC 29477