For the past 16 years, Waterproof, Inc. and its dedicated local volunteers have been teaching children from Johns Island about water safety and providing them with swimming lessons. From May 11 – 21, 2026, we taught how to “Be Water Wise” to 70 first grade students from Angel Oak Elementary School at the Lake House outdoor pool. According to US National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP), teaching swimming to children ages 6-10 years reduces their risk of drowning by 96%.
Learning about water safety isn’t just for children. Anywhere there is water there is risk. Waterproof, Inc. wants everyone to be water wise since we live on a barrier island that is surrounded by water and contains lakes, ponds, and pools within it. During this week, Tidelines will feature a series of five articles addressing why and how to stay safe in and near water as part of our Water Safety Awareness Week.
Our swimming pools and beaches are fun places. Let’s all work on making them safe. Look for a new article each day this week on being water wise!
-Submitted by Derek Fyfe, Waterproof, Inc.