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“Let me see those diggers,” said Kathleen Tager. “Where are those kickers?” asked Carol Casey. More than a dozen Edgewater Public Pre-K students were splashing around the pool of Edgewater’s YMCA as a part of the Water Safety and Swim program.

“Our students have participated in the annual swimming and water safety program with the Southeast Volusia YMCA for the past six years,” explained Carol Casey, ESE Pre-K teacher at Edgewater Public School. “We live in a location where water is abundant, in the ocean, in the river, and in swimming pools. It is essential for all children learn how to be safe in and around the water.”

The American Red Cross concludes accidental drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the United States for children under the age of  six.
Both Carol Casey and Kathleen Tager teach students with special needs. However, they believe children with disabilities are no different from typically developing children, in their need to develop safe and positive experiences in and around the water.

Carol Casey said, “No young child can be expected to understand potentially dangerous situations, or to rely on their skills or judgment to save their own lives in the water. We must teach all children to enjoy the water and develop skills that will help keep them safe.”

As the children approached the pool for their first lesson, it was crucial to evaluate each student’s swim ability. Those who were determined to be unable to swim were fitted with life vests.
During each hour-long session, the students are able to freestyle while working with teachers or volunteers. Groups of four or five children are sent to work with a swim instructor for a period of approximately 15-minutes. Once all of the swim lessons are complete, the children are treated to the water fountains being turned on.

The success of the program can be seen “in the ability of our children to have fun, improve their swimming skills, and demonstrate safe behavior in and around the pool. We create an environment which is stimulating, safe, play-oriented, and active with the purpose of helping the children to be comfortable in the water. Therefore, greater learning can take place,” said Casey.
As always, parents are the first teachers for these children. It is of utmost importance for them to provide information about the dangers of water and safety techniques. It is important to note that many facilities offer scholarships through the Healthy Kids Program during the summer.

While Andrew, Isaac, and Sophia took turns squirting the rubber dolphin, Pierce, Audrey, and Dara worked with Mrs. Tager on their diggers and kickers.
Both teachers agreed there are many rewards of the program. “Our children have the opportunity for a positive and fun experience in the water, which will provide a foundation for future learning. The water provides a motivating and supportive environment where language and communication are encouraged in many of our students with language delays. The children are also presented with socialization experiences which they may not have at home or in their neighborhood.  It helps develop motor skills and an opportunity to move freely for children who otherwise are restricted to a wheelchair for much of their day. It also helps to develop a positive self-image and confidence in children as they meet new challenges and overcome fears.”

The water fountains may have faded at the stroke of noon, but the children were in for seven more sessions of the fun training.