Clearwater Kids Skip Gym For Swimming Lessons To Learn Water Safety

CLEARWATER, FL — McMullen Booth Elementary School students are diving into a new adventure as they gear up for their aquatic class at the Long Center, 1501 N Belcher Road, where they will learn essential water safety skills.

Students are learning how to swim in lieu of their regular physical education class as part of a city partnership with Pinellas County Schools, Clearwater for Youth, Stingray and ION Physical Therapy Network.

"Drowning is a preventable tragedy, and we are committed to providing Clearwater students with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe in and around water," said recreation division manager Sandy Clayton.

Clearwater for Youth, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to ensure children can participate in athletic and recreation programs, stepped in and provided the needed funding for transportation.

Children hop on a bus during their regularly scheduled PE time, go to the Long Center for their swim lessons and then return to school for their other courses.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages 5 to 14," said Ashley Grimes, the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade health and physical education specialist from Pinellas County Schools."This partnership with the city of Clearwater and Clearwater for Youth is an incredible opportunity for the students in Pinellas County to practice and develop critical lifelong skills to be safe in and around water. During this experience, students will learn how to perform swim strokes to be a more proficient and confident swimmer, learn water safety in and outside the pool area and participate in a physical activity that has many health benefits."

The program will run through Feb. 10. Each student will participate in two weeks of swim lessons with a certified instructor, and receive swim gear and a T-shirt, sponsored by Stingray and ION Physical Therapy Network.