Mission: To make sure students are ‘drownproofed'

In a coordinated effort between Kittatinny Regional High School and the four elementary schools in the Kittatinny district, teachers are making sure that fourth grade students are “drownproofed” every year before summer swimming takes place. Students have the opportunity to learn hands-on safety programs both near and in the water. The skills are taught in small groups and their determined practice earns them positive reinforcement rewards such as swim time, games and races. Safety drills are performed and the children use rescue equipment to rehearse situations with their classmates, who pretend to be in need of help in the water. Receiving the benefit of improvement in physical strength and understanding water safety, students are also having great fun at the Kittatinny pool.