Splish, Splash!: Port Huron elementary students learn about water safety with the YMCA

McKenna Golat, Port Huron Times Herald
·2 min read
Malani Smith demonstrates how to wear a life jacket with YMCA lifeguard and water safety instructor Kevin Toole on Nov. 17, 2023.
Malani Smith demonstrates how to wear a life jacket with YMCA lifeguard and water safety instructor Kevin Toole on Nov. 17, 2023.

Port Huron elementary students get to have some fun and learn how to be safe around water thanks to a partnership between the district and the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

Students learn to swim and water safety from October to May.

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Catherine Woolman said in an email that the partnership developed 20 years ago to ensure that all students within the district know the basics of water safety since the community is surrounded by water.

"We are fortunate to have an abundance of access to lakes, rivers and pools and want our students to feel confident and know how to be safe around water," Woolman said.

All fourth graders in Port Huron Area Schools get one week of water safety lessons. Friday, a class of fourth graders from Crull Elementary School had their lessons.

Charlie Doan, right, tosses a pool noodle to Baylee Russel, left, as part a water safety lesson at the YMCA on Nov. 17, 2023.
Charlie Doan, right, tosses a pool noodle to Baylee Russel, left, as part a water safety lesson at the YMCA on Nov. 17, 2023.

Students Malani Smith and Delilah Clark were excited to swim at the YMCA. Malani said she knows how to float in the water, tread water and safely go under water.

"I used to take swimming lessons and I'm excited to use what I learned," Malani said.

Delilah said she couldn't wait to get into the water and swim. She said she was excited to learn more about water safety.

Both girls said it's important to stay calm whenever you're in the water. Malani said it's important to know where people are around you, be where an adult can see you and to stick with a buddy. Delilah said keeping these tips in mind will make sure you don't drown.

Crull Elementary fourth graders enjoy open swim in the recreation pool at the YMCA on Nov. 17, 2023.
Crull Elementary fourth graders enjoy open swim in the recreation pool at the YMCA on Nov. 17, 2023.

Students learn a variety of important water safety skills. They learn safe pool rules, how to call 911, CPR, backyard pool safety, pool drain safety, how to use a life jacket and open water safety.

After learning about water safety and the YMCA's pool rules, the students were allowed to freely swim in the recreation pool.

Woolman said the district appreciates the partnership with YMCA and their commitment to ensuring students know how to be safe when near water.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron elementary students learn water safety