Virginia Beach students from Title I schools are learning how to swim with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's Students on the Swim (SOS) program – a free program for 2nd graders from Title I schools. This innovative program is educating, enlightening, and, most importantly, safeguarding second-grade students in Virginia Beach.
Tragically, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14. Our coastal environment can be dangerous. Parks & Recreation partnered with Virginia Beach City Public Schools to pilot this water safety educational program designed for 2nd grade classes. The free program was launched with students from Title I schools at Newtown Elementary and Luxford Elementary. Students are transported to a nearby community recreation center where they learn different aspects of water safety, including the ability to learn to swim. Children experience a 2-week American Red Cross-certified program, with a total of 10 lessons that incorporate the Standards of Learning (SOLs).
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a Donation
The SOS program is being funded through generous donors, including Acoustical Sheetmetal and Swimways. This program is fully dependent on the generosity of civic-minded individuals and the strong philanthropic nature of fellow citizens.
We are asking for your support to help us teach children to swim. For only $2,000, your organization can fund a school. Or $500 can fund a class or $100 can fund a row of students in the class. Each student, along with the instruction they receive from certified instructors, also receives a swim bag to carry their swimsuit and personal belongings.
Special thanks to Councilmember Rosemary Wilson and Dr. Sheila Magula, Deputy Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, for their vision, leadership and support.