Safety around the Water: Learn2Swim Program

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth

Year: 2022

Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) implemented a new program during the 2021-22 school year, Safety around the Water - Learn2Swim Program. The Learn2Swim program has been made possible through a partnership between Henrico County Public Schools, YMCA of Greater Richmond, and NOVA of Virginia Aquatics and through the fundraising efforts of our aquatic facilities and local communities. The goal of the program is saving lives through water safety education and swimming instruction. Drowning poses a considerable risk for youth and adults, especially in areas where access to swim instruction is limited. Many accidental deaths by drowning are preventable. These lessons are designed to help all HCPS second graders learn water safety skills such as asking permission to enter the water, “swim-float-swim,” and “jump-push-turn-grab.” Our aim is to build confidence and character while achieving fundamental swimming and water safety skills in a safe and friendly environment. The Learn2Swim program has resulted in 98% of our students demonstrating improvement in  benchmark psychomotor skills and water safety learning outcomes. outcomes.