Coach Jacob with toddler
By: Jen Russon
The Center for Disease Control records 10 deaths each day by unintentional drowning; two of those fatalities are children under the age of 14. Unfortunately, Coral Springs was part of those grim statistics last week, when a four-year-old boy playing in a park near the Lennox Isles community, drowned in a canal.
“In response to the terrible tragedy that happened right here in our community, we are offering free water safety classes. We hope to see a lot of local parents register their children in the next couple of weeks,” said Kim Heise, Regional Director of Coral Springs Preschool.
Formerly Discovery Preschool, the new owners opened Coral Springs Preschool this August. Coral Springs Preschool has partnered with the Superhero Swim Academy to offer a block of water safety-swim classes, beginning the weekend of October 27.
“We are going to be teaching kids basic water safety, like how to feel comfortable in the water, what to do if they fall in, use their hands as scoops, float on their backs, blow bubbles, turning over to breathe – that kind of thing,” said Jacob Siegel, a certified swim coach.
He added that children must be at least one-year-old to participate, and those under age two must have a parent in the pool with them during lessons. Students should ideally be no older than eight.
The Red Cross states if a child does not learn to swim before the third grade, they likely never will.
Heise, director at the preschool, said that parents who are interested in the classes should be able to show proof of residence in Coral Springs. The preschool has a fenced in pool on campus, and the swim lessons will be conducted by three certified lifeguards.
Children should arrive with sunscreen, in bathing suits, ideally with a change of clothes and towel. Students in swim classes must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The free swim lessons are intended to teach kids basic water survival skills. In addition to October 27-28, the lessons will be offered the following two weekends, November 3 – 4, and November 11, 12.
The lessons will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
It is a cost-free opportunity that Coral Springs preschool staff said they think of as priceless.
Parents may register their children at Coral Springs Preschool during hours of operation, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. The school is located at 4441 Coral Springs Drive. Call 954-603-2821 for more information.
Author Profile
Related
NewsNovember 1, 2024Broward Commissioner Michael Udine: Grateful and Ready for November’s Events and Community Initiatives
NewsNovember 1, 2024Coral Springs Commission: November Packed with Events, New City Manager Appointment, and Voting Information
Crime & SafetyOctober 6, 2024Fire Chief Whalen: Annual Traditions and Community Events for Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
NewsOctober 6, 2024Coral Springs Police Chief McKeone: As the Holidays Approach, Join Our Toy Drive, Vacation Watch Program, and Community Conversations
