Making a splash: 40 children learn life-saving water safety skills

Forty Macon-Bibb County children spent part of their summer learning skills that could one day save their lives.

From July 27-31, the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department partnered with State Representative Tangie Herring (HD 145), the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and several community partners to bring the YMCA's Safety Around Water program to the South Bibb Recreation Center.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to stay safe around water," Rep. Herring said. "As a former educator, I've spent my career working to protect and support children both inside and outside the classroom. These free lessons can equip young people with skills that may one day save their lives."

Throughout the week, children ages 6-12 participated in free swim and water safety lessons designed to help them become safer and more confident in and around the water. They learned basic swimming techniques, what to do in an emergency, and other important skills aimed at reducing the risk of drowning.

"Learning to swim and understanding water safety are life-saving skills, and we're proud we could provide this opportunity to 40 children in our community at no cost to their families," said Recreation Director Robert Walker. "We're incredibly grateful to all of the partners who came together to make this possible."

The nationally recognized YMCA Safety Around Water program focuses on giving children the skills and confidence they need to safely enjoy pools and other bodies of water.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe and confident around water, and we're grateful to be part of an effort that brings these critical, life-saving skills to children in Macon-Bibb County," said Terreta Rodgers, Amazon's Head of Community Affairs for Georgia. "This program is a great example of what's possible when community partners come together to connect the expertise of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta with families in Macon and help expand access to water safety education."

The program was made possible through a partnership among Amazon,Georgia Power, Macon-Bibb County Government, Representative Tangie Herring, Y Not Us, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Bey & Associates, Coca-Cola, Her Majesty's Kitchen, Waffle House, and the JL Morgan Company. Their support allowed all 40 children to participate at no cost to their families.