Third Graders Learn to Swim
YMCA’s annual free program underway
third grade lesson at the NLYMCA pool.
IRON MOUNTAIN – Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center’s annual third grade swim lessons program has returned for the month of April.
Made possible in part due to grant support as well as Annual Campaign contributions, Northern Lights YMCA will see roughly 300 children take part in the swim program, now in its sixth year.
“We’re super excited to get these kids through their lessons right before the warmer months when many will take to area lakes and rivers for recreation,” NLYMCA Aquatics Director Anna Briseno said. “Water safety is so important in our region, and participation in swim lessons greatly decreases the risks of drowning.”
All area third graders as well as home school children will have an opportunity to attend the free lessons. Each group of students receives five 40-minute lessons over the next several weeks. The third grade swim lesson program annually sees several hundred kids take lessons, making it one of the Dickinson Center YMCA’s most important community outreach programs.
“We’re helping these kids learn to swim, become comfortable in the water and also, for some, ignite a passion for swimming,” Briseno said.
The children taking part in the program come from Woodland Elementary School in Kingsford, North Elementary School in Iron Mountain, Norway Elementary School, Bishop Baraga Catholic School in Iron Mountain, Holy Spirit Catholic School in Norway, North Dickinson Elementary School in Felch, Niagara Schools in Niagara, Wis., and Florence Elementary School in Florence, Wis.
The YMCA’s Annual Campaign is currently underway. Supporters can CLICK HERE, stop by the Y or call 774-4076 to make a contribution.