At the recent SIPOA Annual Meeting, the president of SIPOA talked about the success of “Be Water Wise”, the educational program of Waterproof Inc., a 501(c)(3) that provides free water safety and swim lessons to first graders from Johns Island. This program, now in its 15th year, is supported by private donations and is endorsed by the Charleston County School District. If you are looking for a meaningful way to volunteer in our community, consider this worthwhile program.
As approved by SIPOA, the Lake House outdoor pool is again the site for our annual “Be Water Wise” nine-day water safety and swim lessons program. Staffed by Seabrookers who volunteer their time and enthusiasm, last year 16 swim coaches and three deck helpers committed their mornings to provide free swim lessons to 47 children.
More volunteers are needed! This year, with the expansion of Angel Oak Elementary School, we plan to teach 75 first-grade students to swim, which requires additional swim coaches. If you are a competent swimmer, we will equip you with the skills to teach young children. The program will run from May 11 – 21, 2026, for nine weekday mornings, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Lake House outdoor pool.
Volunteers complete a three-hour online, age-specific, swim coaching certification course and a Youth Protection two-hour certification course. Each volunteer submits to a Charleston County Schools background check and must hold or obtain CPR/AED certification. Two character references are required. Waterproof, Inc. will reimburse all related expenses.
Our coaches not only provide lifesaving skills to children who otherwise would not have access to such education, but also enrich their own lives with joy and satisfaction from the endeavor.
It’s already time to start planning summer activities for your children or grandchildren. The Charleston Museum offers their popular Nature Trailers Summer Camp at the Dill Sanctuary throughout the month of June and their Museum Camp the last two weeks of July. Registration is officially open for all sessions of both camps on our website.
The Homegrown Holiday Bazaar returns! This year, it will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Johns Island County Park (2662 Mullet Hall Road) from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Homegrown Holiday Bazaar is your one-stop shop for all things local and festive! With plenty of local vendors, you’re sure to complete your holiday shopping in no time.
There will be lots of fun activities for all ages, including seasonal-themed games, crafts, bounce houses, pony rides, food trucks, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
The Holiday Bazaar is free to attend, although a $2.00 per person fee is charged by the Charleston County Park (Gold Pass members and children under two years old are free). There is plenty of free parking on site.
Holiday Festival of Lights November 14 – December 31, 2025 5:30-10:00 pm James Island County Park
The Holiday Festival of Lights is back! With over two million lights, this beloved tradition offers fun for the whole family and is sure to boost your holiday spirit. The Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening, rain or shine, from 5:30-10:00 pm, November 14 through December 31.
The festival is more than just driving through the three miles of beautiful light displays. You are invited to park your car and explore Winter Wonderland, home to the area’s largest holiday sand sculpture formed from over 50 tons of sand. Roam through festival shops for merry gifts, official collector series ornaments, toys, personalized items, decorations, and stocking stuffers. Pop into Santa’s Sweet Shoppe for tasty treats. Take a ride on the train for an up-close view of the festival, and see even more light displays on the Enchanted Walking Trail. A complete map of the Holiday of Lights Festival is available here.
Santa will be at Santa’s Village each night from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, November 14 through December 23. Visiting with Santa at the festival is free. Digital photos are available for an additional fee.
To enhance visitor experience and to help manage wait times and traffic, Holiday Festival of Lights organizers used historical attendance data to create GREEN, YELLOW, and RED nights. Admission prices vary based on the night.
Visitors can save by buying tickets in advance online. Green night pricing is $15 per vehicle if purchased online, or $25 at the gate. Yellow night pricing is $25 per vehicle if purchased online, or $35 at the gate. Red night pricing is $30 per vehicle if purchased online, or $45 at the gate.
CCPRC Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K Johns Island County Park 2662 Mullet Hall Road, just off River Road Saturday, October 4
Prepare for a scenic Johns Island trail run at the annual Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K.
Runners will take in spectacular foliage, moss-draped oaks, and wildlife as they make their way through Johns Island’s breathtaking trails. Races are offered for two distances: a half marathon and a 5K. The races begin at 8:00 am. A kids’ dash begins at 7:50 am.
Pre-registration is now open and required. On-site registration will not be available. Spaces are limited, and the event is expected to sell out in advance.
Click here for more information and online registration.
