Near the end of each school year, 3rd graders who attend Talbot County Public Schools participate in the TCPS Water Safety Program. The program was developed to provide the students with skills to protect them in and around the water. Water Safety instruction is provided by the school Physical Education teachers and certified water safety instructors. The regular classroom teachers provide the classroom experience.
A committee of Talbot County Physical Education teachers concerned about water safety assisted in the development of this program in 1990-1991. The program is dedicated to the memory of Taraille Turner, a student in Talbot County, who lost his life in the spring of 1990 due to a swimming accident. Resources were obtained from Dorchester County Public Schools, the American Red Cross, the National YMCA, the Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Coast Guard. The curriculum was updated in 2013-2014.
Students participating in the program learn water safety tips, survival floating, treading water, proper use of personal flotation devices (PFD’s), non-swimming rescues, and the steps for calling 911. The program is usually taught at the Bay Hundred and George Murphy Pools. This year, instructors faced unexpected challenges due to rain, unusually cool weather and cold water temps in the outdoor pools. With school days running out, Mr. William Keswick, Curriculum Supervisor, reached out to the Easton Family YMCA for help. The Y readily agreed and adjusted pool schedules so that students from Tilghman Elementary and Saint Michaels Elementary could complete the program.
“A county with over 600 miles of tidal shoreline has a civic responsibility to teach our children safety around water and the YMCA is pleased to work with Talbot County Public Schools to do this,” said Derek White, Branch Executive Director. “The YMCA has a rich history in this arena dating back to 1909 and the implementation of group swim lessons using radical new methods, which has created a natural partnership for the continued success of water safety for Talbot County youth.”
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