YMCA 4th Grade Swim Program
Our 4th graders had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a five week swim program at Lebanon’s Countryside YMCA. Students were bussed on Friday mornings for a 45 minute swim lesson. All students were placed in a specific level of ability, so each week’s swim lesson could target the skills needed to progress as a swimmer.
The program was an absolute success and the kids were excited to go every Friday! All students gained confidence and learned safety and survival skills when in the water. Students who had little experience swimming were able to jump in the water and learn some basic strokes, and the more advanced swimmers were able to show off their skills while swimming laps. On the last day, students that passed a swim test were able to go down the water slide, which was definitely a hit! But all students participated in a “fun day” with fountains and swimming with friends.
At the end of the program, students were surveyed and the following were the most frequent comments:
- “I liked that we got in small groups and got to learn how to swim better.”
- “The instructors were nice and fun!”
- “I was afraid to jump in or float on my back, but now I know how.”
- “I love swimming and loved that we got to do it during the school day with friends!”
- “The thing I liked most was swimming laps!”
- “I loved the fun day with the slide on the last day!”
- “I loved EVERYTHING about it!”
Thank you Countryside YMCA and Waynesville Administration for this incredible experience for our students!
Sherria Rasey
srasey@wayne-local.com
