As part of the regular physical education curriculum, Mater Christi School annually schedules Safe Swim classes at the YMCA in Burlington for the second graders. This program is funded with the support of North Country Federal Credit Union and is open to every school in the Burlington area.

While the children are at the “Y,” the program pool is staffed with Jess Lukas, the assistant aquatics director, with a certified life guard, and also with another experienced staff swim instructor.

Although the second graders obviously enjoy themselves, both the school and the “Y” personnel have other goals in mind for the students.

With Lake Champlain “in our backyard” this program aims to teach children safety around the water. Specifically, the students are taught safe methods to jump, to never swim alone, and always have adults watching them swim – preferably life guards. The YMCA staff instructs the children in methods for helping a friend who is in danger. They are told never to jump in to help. Instead, they are told to utilize a pole, a noodle, or a tree limb to reach out and help their friend.

Jess Lukas commented, “This program hopefully ingrains in children important safety measures we should all utilize in and around the pool.” Mater Christi is grateful to the “Y” for offering the “2nd Grade Learn to Swim” Program.

Donna Quinlan
Physical Education Instructor