VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Indiana lawmakers are considering whether or not to make a water safety curriculum mandatory for schools across the state next year. In the Wabash Valley, the Vigo County School Corporation is already ahead of the game.
VCSC offers a water safety program for kindergarten and first grade students. This gives kids the opportunity to get out of the classroom and get hands on experience.
Mike Williams is the director for the Vigo County School Corporation Aquatic Center, and says in the last 10 years, the program has taught nearly 12,000 Vigo County students.
“Swim by 7 Program is a program that the school corporation on had the vision to introduce about 10 years ago,” said Williams. “We use a curriculum based on the Red Cross Water Safety Instruction Program.”
The Red Cross Program is a highly regarded program for its comprehensive training, and lifesaving skills the program teaches children.
“Red Cross is really the experts,” said Williams. “We tailor our program after (their) water safety program. We know that these kids are getting the most current, and most professional instruction available.
The Indiana Department of Health say drowning is the 3rd leading cause of death for Hoosier children ages 5-9. That’s why earlier this week; it was brought to the attention to Indiana lawmakers to improve water safety training in schools.
Here in Vigo County, this program is benefiting not only children but parents as well.
“It is absolutely a benefit. Not just for the kids. They’re getting great water safety skills. But the parents of the children can now have some peace of mind. They can feel comforted knowing that their children have gotten some basic skill instruction in water safety and swimming,” said Williams.
Looking ahead, there is hope a bill or law will be passed to ensure water safety courses, in all schools across the state of Indiana.
“Statistically, we have saved some lives. That’s worth it,” said the Director of VCSC Aquatic Center.
The Vigo County School Corporation Aquatic Center offers a variety of programs, and classes. For more information on how to get involved, click here.
