Comfort Keepers Ministry Inc., is bringing back one of its staple projects, with the return of the Safety Swim Day and founder Lauren Siebert said this year’s event will look different from years past.
“This year, we weren’t able to hold the event in its traditional format. Normally, we would have the lessons all in one day, grill hotdogs and provide life jackets, but that wasn’t possible this year. We have partnered with Staci McHenry again who has been our wonderful swim instructor since this project was launched several years ago,” Siebert said. “We won’t have life jackets this year but instead, we are making it more flexible by extending the number of days lessons will be held.”
The number of lessons available will be limited this year and will take place over the span of five days at two locations.
“Our hope this year, is to teach 80 kids the basics of how to swim. The Cherokee Village S.I.D. has been really gracious and is allowing us to use the Gitchee-Gumee Beach July 5, 6, 8 and 9 for a few hours each day,” Siebert said. “We also have the use of a private pool for separate lessons on July 10.”
The purpose of the Safety Swim events is to teach children the basics of swimming such as how to float on their backs and other need to know basic skills.
“Since 2018, roughly 200 kids have learned how to swim because of this project, the volunteers, community support and Staci’s teaching. We live in river country, with the Spring River, South Fork and Strawberry River, not to mention all the lakes, ponds and deeper creeks. Knowing how to swim is not only a valuable skill, it is necessary,” Siebert said. “Over the years, we have seen tragedies on our area water ways. I know not all of them were preventable, some were just absolute flukes, but I believe others could have been prevented. We can do something about it and we are.”
Lessons will take approximately 12 to 15 minutes per child and 15 children will be instructed the first of the four days with 20 children being taught on the fifth day.
“I know 15 minutes may not sound like a long time, but truthfully, learning the basics only takes a few moments. Mastering them takes much longer so we encourage parents to work with their children and teach them more about swimming. I would also highly recommend anyone who has a child under the age of 12 purchase a life jacket for their child,” Siebert said. “Even when you know what you’re doing in the water, a life jacket can still make a big difference. You can get a good vest style life jacket for around $10.”
Siebert said vouchers will given until they’re gone.
“I want to thank the community and partners who make this and other things we do as a ministry possible each year. It simply wouldn’t happen without them,” Siebert said. “As we grow, so do our projects and this is a project I hope to continue to offer each year for many years to come. In addition to the voucher, we have a liability release form that must be signed by the parent or legal guardian who will be accompanying their child to the lesson.”
To obtain a voucher contact Lauren Siebert at 870-373-1233.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
