LIPSA President,
Mike Truehart
LIPSA’s KidSwim program under full swing!
2000 kids this year so far and more to come!
The “KidSwim™ Long Island” water safety initiative of the Long Island Pool and Spa Association is in its third year! Our mission is to educate kindergarten children and their parents in the rules of water safety. All research has shown that encouraging the ability to swim is the most effective way to pre-vent drowning and thus preserve our most valuable resources – our children. Last year’s program reached over 4,000 children, in addition to the 2000 children in our first year, and we are hoping to increase this outreach for 2011.
Our pilot program in 2009 was a resounding success and we invite you to visit our web site to see photos of the program at www.longislandchapter.org. The 20-30 minute program consists of a “Gus and Goldie” puppet show, originally created by the city of El Paso, Texas and a Power Point presentation of “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” developed by Stewart Leonard III Children’s Charities. Each child is sent home with a “Stewie the Duck” book/cd and a “Gus and Goldie” coloring book and safety brochure for their parents. It is a rewarding experience to participate and we do have so much fun!