Free Swim Lessons Offered in Reading: Enhancing Water Safety for All Ages

The state-funded program aims to enhance swimming safety and has allocated funds to 14 organizations, including the British Swim School of North Shore in Reading, to facilitate a free swim instruction program.

Residents of all ages in READING, MA will have the opportunity to receive free swim lessons through a state program. The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Safe Water Initiative Massachusetts (SWIM) has allocated $372,000 in funding to 14 organizations for this purpose.

Among the recipients of the funding, the British Swim School of North Shore in Reading was chosen as one of the organizations. The awarded contracts were given to organizations whose instructors possess certification as Red Cross Water Safety Instructors or hold an equivalent certification in the industry. Additionally, preference was given to applicants that cater to environmental justice communities.

In a statement, Governor Maura Healey emphasized the importance of providing every Massachusetts resident with access to enjoyable and healthy recreational opportunities. Governor Healey stated that swimming is a crucial life skill and that financial constraints should not prevent residents from learning how to swim. The funding allocated to partner organizations aims to ensure that a greater number of residents have the opportunity to take swimming lessons.

In a statement, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, drawing from her experience as a former lifeguard, highlighted the significance of creating a fun and secure environment at beaches and pools. Lt. Gov. Driscoll emphasized that one of the most effective approaches is to ensure individuals of all ages possess swimming skills. The Lt. Gov. commended the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for its efforts in offering free swim lessons to hundreds of children annually and stated that the SWIM program facilitates the expansion of these lessons to encompass everyone, with a particular focus on environmental justice communities.

For more information, contact the British Swim School of North Shore in Reading.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides complimentary swimming lessons through the Learn to Swim program specifically designed for children aged 4 to 12. Registration for the program will open in the upcoming weeks.