On September 10, 2018 the WaterWise Program begins again. This is a program run by trained volunteers that teaches first and second graders from Frierson and Mt Zion to be safe around water and how to swim. WiseWise needs volunteers from Seabrook and Kiawah to help. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer to participate as the program needs volunteers who help on the deck and others who help in the water. You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer to participate, just patient, enthusiastic and kind. You will be taught what you need to know to help.
This is an important program for these young children because many of them do not know how to swim and some have been taught to be afraid of the water. This program can help keep children from drowning and save lives.
The volunteers work four days a week in the mornings for two weeks. They need to be available for three hours and if there are enough volunteers they don’t need to come every day. Mandatory training is available on line.
It costs the program about $100.00 per child for these classes, as each child when in the pool needs a life jacket and sometimes bathing suits and other necessities. Insurance for the program is also costly. If you are not able to teach you can help by donating to Waterproof, Inc (501c3) at Derek Fyfe at 1014 Embassy Row Way, Johns Island, SC 29455.
Please consider volunteering to help these children. Last spring it was held on Seabrook Island and this fall it will be held at the Boy Scout Camp on Wadmalaw. Swim programs like this help save children’s lives and you can be the one who makes the difference for these children.
-Sue Holloman, Tidelines Staff Writer