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YMCA Offers Students Important Water Safety Skills

A volunteer helps a student learning how to float

Each fall, third-grade students in Craven County Schools eagerly anticipate their field trip to the Twin Rivers YMCA for essential water safety training. The bus ride to the outdoor pool is filled with excitement, as students can’t wait to jump into the "big pool."

Upon arrival, enthusiastic YMCA volunteers greet the students, ready to share a day of fun and learning. With various stations set up, students rotate through hands-on activities, including floating techniques, using objects to assist someone in distress, and swimming on their backs in case of emergencies.

Kelly Millington, interim CEO of the Twin Rivers YMCA, emphasized the program's importance, stating, "Our Safety Around Water program is one of the ways we live out our commitment to the community. This program isn’t just about learning how to swim—it’s about building confidence, learning how to react in emergency situations, and promoting life-saving practices like using personal flotation devices. We’re grateful for the support of our volunteers who help make this vital program such a success.”

The partnership between the YMCA and Craven County Schools has thrived for 20 years, and the school district is immensely thankful for this opportunity. Dr. Miller, Superintendent, shared, "Our students need these critical life-saving skills, especially since our county is surrounded by water. It is crucial to know these lessons could save their lives or someone else's in an emergency. We are fortunate to have this long-standing partnership with our local YMCA."

A heartfelt thank you to the Twin Rivers YMCA for equipping our students with these important life skills as we work together to help each and every learner reach their fullest potential.

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