Swim Club

by Judy Newman

Just like reading, and most developmental milestones for kids, swimming requires instruction, practice, and self-confidence. And just like reading, all kids do not have equal access to learn how to swim, develop their water skills, and see themselves as capable swimmers.

I remember my own early days as a new swimmer at Crystal Lake in Newton, MA, at the Longwood Cricket Club as guests of my friend Debby’s family, or at Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod. I remember learning how to tread water and float and transition from a kickboard to supporting my own weight in the water. We learned the elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and the crawl. But I chose to work on my sidestroke because I didn’t have to put my face fully in the water and I could see where I was going. I never really swam in the ocean, but I could run in and out of the waves because I knew I could swim if a wave knocked me down.

And while I hated (with a passion!) shopping for bathing suits at Filene’s with my mother, it was worth the discomfort of those trips to the mall, because I needed a suit that fit me so I could swim. I also loved the accoutrements of a day in the water: the pool ID bracelets, the smell of Coppertone suntan lotion, and the snack bar. And most of all, getting relief from the heat and being able to cool off and stay in the water for hours and hours.

Many summers later, I watch Sophie Rae, the youngest swimmer in our family, practicing her swimming with her new unicorn goggles and floaties on her arms to keep her buoyant as she builds her confidence in the water. She’s learning and practicing. And cooling off.

Again, just like reading, many kids in the U.S. do not have the same access to learn to swim, develop their strokes, and feel safe and competent in the water. Accidental drownings are the second leading cause of death for young children. I was so inspired to see that, thanks to a $1.5M donation from the Gray Foundation, 2,000 second-graders in New York City will learn how to swim. I hope others in swim-lesson-challenged communities will follow suit.

This month, when I am not hanging out reading or cooling off by a body of water, I am thinking about how excellent children’s books are perfect tools for families to share feelings about swimming. Here are some suggestions:

As we head into the second half of summer, I hope you find safe and happy ways to cool off in the water, spread the word about how all children need to learn how to swim, and enjoy a good book after you towel off.

Happy Reading!

Judy  

Judy Newman, Chief Impact Officer, Scholastic