Park and Swim Club Pool Resources for Safety
Jun 11, 2021 12:00AM ● By Story and photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner
Carmichael Parks Foundation leaders and DART Swimming School coaches meet students at El Camino High School's pool. A partnership between CRPD and DART will increase child water safety this summer.
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s newest program has launched with a big splash. Partnering with DART Swimming Sacramento – and with funding from Carmichael Parks Foundation -- the District is supplying subsidized swimming lessons for children aged 3 to 17.
Carmichael kids can apply for reductions of 50 percent from the cost of lessons. Learners from outside the area may qualify for discounts of 30 percent. (Subsidies are geared to help low-income families; otherwise, two weeks of lessons cost $75 per child). The Parks Foundation has allocated $4000 for scholarships and will consider further sponsorship to continue the program beyond July.
The courses aim to prevent drownings. “Our Past president Ken Hall lives on the American River Bluffs,” explains Foundation board member Sue Boucher. “He’s seen the danger for swimmers. Following the success of our 2019 Dinner in Park fundraiser, he and the Foundation presented the idea of children’s water safety lessons to CRPD.” Though COVID nixed 2020 plans, a connection forged with DART Swimming School fast-stroked plans for this summer. “We’ve formed a great partnership to make this work,” predicts Boucher. “If these lessons save the life of one child, it will all be worth it.”
Organizers are overwhelmed by community response. Within a week of first enrollments, more than 100 children were registered; applications—from as far away as Elk Grove -- are still churning in. “This response shows the need for affordable swimming lessons in our entire region,” says CRPD staffer Alaina Loftus. “I’m thankful we can help.”
Eight-session courses kick off June 14, June 28 and June 12 at the El Camino High School pool. Tuition will be provided by adult coaches, at a ratio of one teacher per four children. Instructors are qualified by the DART Swimming School – a long-established agency that ranks nationally for aquatic programs. “We’re excited about the partnership,” says DART CEO Brian Nabeta. “El Camino High School has made a wonderful facility available, and we hope to continue teaching there next summer.”
Families must pay their contribution for children’s lessons in advance and provide swimsuits, towels and transport. The pool is located at 4300 El Camino Avenue.
For information on this CRPD program, visit www.carmichaelpark.com
