If you are looking for a meaningful way to make an end-of-year contribution, please support Waterproof, Inc. to help local children learn to swim in a way that is water-wise.
Waterproof is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides water safety and basic swimming instruction at no cost to elementary age children from Mt Zion and other local schools. Many of these young children have never been in a swimming pool, do not know how to swim, and some have been taught to be afraid of the water. This important program helps prevent children from drowning, which potentially saves their lives.
In 2023, Waterproof:
- Recruited, trained and certified 12 new coaches for a total of 20 coaches (all but one of whom are Seabrookers)
- Transported the entire first, second and rising third graders to the pool facility on Wadmalaw Island
- Coached 115 students in two separate two week morning sessions in May and September.
The gratifying outcomes of these sessions for first and second graders include:
- 56% completed a 25 foot swim (half the width of the pool)
- 31% completed a 50 foot swim (the full width of the pool)
- 60% accomplished back floating and/or swimming
The sessions are completely free for the children and their families, most of whom are significantly challenged financially. Even though the staff is all volunteers, it costs approximately $200.00 per child to provide these classes. Costly expenses include insurance and roundtrip bus transportation to the facility from the schools. In addition, each child is provided a life jacket when in the pool, pool noodles, other swim devices, and sometimes even bathing suits.
As we look forward to continuing this work in 2024, once again we ask for your kind contributions. Donations can be sent via Venmo to @waterproofinc or by check to Waterproof Inc., 1014 Embassy Row Way, Johns Island, SC 29455.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a great new year, on behalf of Waterproof Inc.
-Submitted by Derek Fyfe, President and CEO