Rocky Mount, Va. (December 12, 2019) – Along with offering 2nd Grade Swimming, a program that teaches important water safety skills to every 2nd grader in Franklin County, the Y now offers swim lessons as a part of the curriculum at the Y’s Land of Wonder Preschool. These lessons are being offered to all preschoolers, ages 3 to 5 years old. Each class participates in 8 sessions in the fall and then another 8 sessions in the spring.
“Swimming is a lifelong skill and we believe that starting them as young as possible gives them the advantage of being prepared.” says Hope Vaccaro, Childcare Director of the Franklin County Family YMCA’s Land of Wonder Preschool. “Many of our Y kids start lessons in the preschool, then continue on and advance their skills at Y Summer Camp once they are school-age. By the time they're in middle school, they have been given the skills needed in order to be a confident and safe swimmer!”
Each group has seven to ten preschoolers and two groups go per morning with a total of 14-20 children, split between two instructors, participating in a 45 minute lesson. The fall sessions have been completed, but lessons will resume in March when preschoolers will complete eight more sessions.
“These swim lessons, not only teach water safety skills and confidence, but also open up opportunities for the future. The Y’s Riptide Swim Team is mostly made up of children who got started in the Y’s swim lessons at a young age and have grown a love for water and for competing. Swim team participants also have the opportunity to compete for scholarships as they work their way up through school,” says Kameron Kitts, Aquatics Director and head coach for the Riptides swim team.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Land of Wonder Preschool please contact Hope Vaccaro at (540)489-9622 or hvaccaro@franklincountyymca.org. For more information on this and other aquatics programs at the Franklin County YMCA please contact Kameron Kitts at (540)489-9622 or kkitts@franklincountyymca.org.
