The St. Croix Dolphins Swim Team has been working with public schools teaching children general water safety, proper swimming techniques, and confidence in and around the water since the inception of the “Every Child a Swimmer” program in 2003. Last week was the closing week of the 2012-2013 program. Participants from the Pearl B. Larsen and Charles H. Emmanuel Schools demonstrated what they learned over the past 16 weeks of lessons. Most of the children participating were not able to swim the width of the pool when they started taking the lessons in October, but by the end of the program, 90 percent of the kids were able to swim across the pool, tread water and float.
“We hope to continue with these lessons next year to share and spread our knowledge of and expertise in water safety and swimming. Living on an island, without a doubt, swimming is an imperative life skill to learn,” said Coach Brian.
This year’s program was made possible due to the generosity of the community. On behalf of the Dolphins, Pearl B. Larsen and Charles H. Emanuel Schools, thanks are extended to Professional Holding Company, Virgin Islands Paving Inc, V.I. Port Authority, Cane Bay Partners VI LLLP, Denali Management, Gold Coast Yachts and St. Croix Country Day School for making this program possible.
The Dolphins have a long way to go to reach its goal of “Every Child a Swimmer,” but the swim team has made it its priority, and it encourages more companies to support the swimming program for the next school year 2013-2014. Their sponsorship will allow the Dolphins to reach out to students in additional public elementary schools. The “Every Child a Swimmer” program has been approved as a public educational assistance initiative that EDC companies can support in meeting their charitable donations amount.
To be a part of this rewarding sport or to find more information about the program, contact the Dolphins Swim Team on St. Croix at 719-7946, e-mail stcroixdolphins@gmail.com or visit the Web site: www.stcroixdolphin.org.
