OF MOUNT PLEASANT W.A.T.E.R. Program

By Jon Whitbeck, Mount Pleasant Recreation Department

Learning how to swim is something many may take for granted, but it’s a critical life skill that offers many rewards, and the best time to learn is at a young age. The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department has provided kindergarten and first grade classes at six area schools with an introduction to swimming and water safety through the W.A.T.E.R. program (Weaving Aquatic Training with Education and Recreation) for more than 15 years. The benefits of swimming are many, from healthy bodies to enjoyable opportunities to life safety in the Lowcountry’s numerous bodies of water. MPRD Aquatics proudly offers instruction that allows children to become stronger swimmers and stay safe while doing so.

Each school class receives eight 30-minute swim lessons over a two-week span for a total cost of $5 per student. Depending on the school location, instruction takes place at either the R.L. Jones Center or the Park West Pool. The program serves students from the following elementary schools: Belle Hall, James B. Edwards, Mamie Whitesides, Charles Pinkney, Jennie Moore, Carolina Park, and Laurel Hill Primary. Instructors bring years of experience and earn certification by The Starfish Aquatic Institute. “Our students learn water safety in such a fun and dynamic setting! This is such a great program for our community,” explained a Laurel Hill Elementary School educator.

Three to five swim instructors teach two hours’ worth of lessons to well over 500 students during each season. The results of the program are powerful and heartwarming. On the first day, children are evaluated for appropriate placement in swim groups based on skill level. By the last day, the young swimmers all display tremendous improvements over the short timeframe of instruction. At the end of the program, teachers and parents watch swimmers demonstrate what they’ve learned over the two-week period. Children beam with broad smiles, accepting certificates of completion and posing for photos. Teachers and parents are always pleased with the progress they’ve seen, sharing compliments to children and gratitude to instructors.

“It was amazing to see the progression of the children in just two weeks!” said a Carolina Park Elementary School faculty member.

Students learn about water safety, proper entry, floating, gliding, stroke development and so much more. Some program participants who decide to attend MPRD summer camps are able to pass their required swim tests, allowing them to swim both the deep and shallow ends of the pool. The young swimmers gain self-confidence with their accomplishments and their ability to demonstrate their skills, and parents gain peace of mind. Those that attend MPRD camps or sign up for swim lessons enjoy seeing the same instructors and staff from the W.A.T.E.R. program. Continuity allows them to quickly connect and feel comfortable trying new things.

Swimming provides a critical skill used throughout life when going to the pool, beach, or other enjoyable Lowcountry activities like boating, kayaking, surfing, water skiing, tubing, or sailing. MPRD Aquatics supports the growth of the Town’s young swimmers and we hope it leads to years of safe, healthy exercise, leisure, and maybe even some future swim instructors or lifeguards.