In Southwest Florida, there is a hidden danger in the form of hundreds of swimming pools, beaches, canals, lakes and other waterways that can be fatal for children if they do not know how to swim. The threat of drowning is higher for children in families with low incomes, as they don’t have many opportunities in the water. So this week, Bright Beginnings took a trip to the pool for SWIM Central, a water-safety instruction and awareness course.  For most of the children, it was their first experience in a pool. In addition to assimilating to the water, they practiced putting their faces underwater, jumping in the pool and learned how to float. Not only are the children learning a lifesaving skill, they are also starting to develop a healthy relationship with the water that can open doors of opportunity!

ABOUT SWIM CENTRAL: In March 2012, The Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of SW Florida, Collier County Parks and Recreation, Greater Naples YMCA, Greater Marco Island YMCA and City of Naples River Park Aquatic Center launched the highly successful SWIM Central program in response to the growing number of drowning and near-drowning child victims.