More than 900 children learned to swim this summer in Talbot County public pools thanks to the hard work of Bay Hundred Swim Kids instructors and the financial support of donors to the Miles River Yacht Club Foundation’s Sink or Swim (SOS) program.
About 150 young swimmers, their parents and siblings were treated to a picnic and pool party on a recent hot Friday evening at the George Murphy Community Pool in Easton to mark the successful conclusion of the third season of free swimming lessons paid for by SOS. A picnic and pool party is scheduled for swimmers August 19 at the Bay Hundred Community Pool in St. Michaels.
“In the first two years the kids were excited to show their parents what they had learned,” said Trish Payne, executive director of the St. Michaels Community Center, which manages the program. “This year, I am hearing more from the moms who are proud of what their children have achieved, plus it gives them peace of mind.”
The Community Center’s Youth Coordinator Pam Phillips worked with Talbot County Parks and Recreation staffers to administer scheduling for the free lessons. Over its three years the program has taught more than 1,700 children how to swim.
The SOS initiative began in 2014 with the goal of sponsoring lessons for 50 kids in the Bay Hundred pool. Before that summer was over, it had expanded to include 250 children. Last year, the goal was doubled and 500 more children learned to swim. This year, the program included the George Murphy Community Pool and again the goal was doubled.
Libby Moose, chairman of the MRYC Foundation, said the organization plans to build on the last three years and shoot even higher for 2017. “Swimming is an important life skill that is vital to learn at an early age,” she said. “It can save a child’s life and it gives them the ability to save others. We have helped start an important project that is vital to the community. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we raise the funds to keep it going.”
So far, donors to the MRYC Foundation have given more than $80,000 to support the SOS program. “Our goal is to continue support for SOS and expand it to make sure every child in Talbot County has the opportunity to learn how to swim.”
It costs just $46 to give one child a skill that will last a lifetime. Tax-deductible contributions to SOS can be made online at www.mrycfoundation.org/donate or by mailing a check to MRYC Foundation SOS, 606A N. Talbot Street, S115, St Michaels, MD.
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