Partnership Will Help Provide Swim Lessons To Kids

Lincoln County School District and Newport Parks & Recreation have reestablished a crucial partnership bringing swim lessons to local students through a federally funded program aimed at promoting water safety in Oregon's coastal communities. The program, which officially relaunched on April 3, 2025, is supported by a two-year Pool Safety Grant from the Federal Government. The initiative provides free swim lessons to students across the county.

"This is a great opportunity for our students," said Yaquina View Principal Kristin Becker. "We are noticing that this is the first exposure to being in water (whether pool, river, lake, etc.) so learning to be safe and unafraid of the water is an important skill. We are so appreciative of the funding that the Newport Recreation Center secured in order for our

students to be able to participate. Parks & Rec Director Mike Cavanaugh and Aquatics Coordinator Chloe Hubbard have been great partners with us." A previous partnership existed years ago when the pool was located across from Sam Case Elementary but had gradually phased out. The revival comes at a critical time as students living in coastal communities benefit from learning essential water safety skills.

Hubbard, has expanded the program's reach to include multiple student groups:

● All second graders from Yaquina View Elementary

● Newport Middle School's Future Bound group (6th-8th grade)

● PNW Coastal Academy (K-5th grade)

● 22 children (ages 3-17) through partnerships with Conexion Fenix and the Rec Center's Tacita de Cafe program

Plans are also underway to provide lessons to children affiliated with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz.

The Water Safe Newport Swim SAFE curriculum, developed through the Pool Safely Grant teaches critical skills

including:

● Start Smart: Planning ahead and engaging in water safety education

● Always Assess: Teaching children to evaluate water conditions

● Float with a Friend: Emphasizing swimming with companions and proper flotation

● Emergency Preparation: Developing action plans for emergencies

Students learn fundamental survival techniques and receive water safety packets to continue their education at home.

The impact is already evident in student responses. "It's fun,” said Mario, a YVES second-grader in Ms. Torres class. “I want to do a swimming contest. I am learning to swim," said Sophia, a second-grader in Ms. Lund’s class. Parents have also noted increased water confidence in their children. One parent remarked, "After three lessons, my child is a lot more confident. I appreciate that students can learn to swim and be safe in the water during school because I have not been able to get them to lessons with our busy schedules in the evening." For more information about the program or water safety resources, visit www.watersafenewport.com.