Working in cooperation with the administration at White Plains Public Schools, the Jump In & Swim Committee identified non-swimmers in the 6th grade class at Eastview Middle School to participate in this free learn to swim program. A Pep Rally which included a short-film presentation was held to introduce students to this initiative and motivate them to participate. The program participants met 4 times during the month of June with Aquatic and Swim Coach, Patti Gilmartin, teacher and Aquatic Instructor, John Suman, and White Plains High School students who volunteered their time as swim instructors for this new Jump in and Swim Initiative.
This group of 6th graders eagerly began their journey towards learning the basics of swimming. A safe and supportive environment was provided for these beginner swimmers and the students were equipped with water safety skills that could one day save their lives. They learned to tread water, kick, swim free style and back stroke, swim underwater and float. Most of all, they had fun, made new friends outside the classroom, and gained confidence in and around the water, which is essential to water safety.
On the last day of the program the students displayed their newly-learned skills and participated in relay races. All students received backpacks which were provided by the Brian M. Robinson Foundation and were awarded a Swim Certificate for completing the Jump in and Swim Initiative.