Photo credit: Shay PicktonI just found out about an inspiring swim program here in Bodega Bay. Now in its 11th year, it's designed to teach swimming and water safety to children, and is put on jointly each summer by Bodega Bay School and Bodega Harbour Homeowners Association. Sandy Horn, wife of our famous coastal lifeguard Brit Horn, is the teacher...and she is phenomenal!
There were 52 children enrolled this year! Many of the kids' parents worked and couldn't get them to the pool, so volunteers drove them.
The students had several days of instruction in the Bodega Harbour pool, then a day down at the ocean. We happened to see them all lined up along the shore, and then bravely walking into the chilly surf together.
On the last day, they had a party with pizza, salad (made from lettuce and carrots grown in the Bodega Bay School garden), and cake. How cool is that? Many thanks to Sandy for volunteering her time, and to BHHA for the use of the pool and facilities. Not only did she give the children valuable swim skills, but also memories to last a lifetime.
Incredibly good to have a swim program for kids. It can save so many lives. I lived near Lake Michigan for about half of my life, but didn't learn to swim until I was nearly 50 years old.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it's so important. Especially for these kids living here on the coast. Jim, you didn't learn to swim until 50? I hope you're making up for lost time! ;-)
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