Middlesex County
Author: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced at a press conference that they are launching a new program to provide free swimming lessons to all second graders in the county.
Officials said the program is designed to improve safety skills in preparation for summer water activities.
The health department-led pilot initiative aims to prevent drownings by teaching young children basic swimming skills and educating them about water safety, officials said.
“Over the last year, I and other county commissioners have been stunned to hear that drownings are occurring not only in New Jersey but across the United States, and that drowning rates, particularly among children, are higher than they were before the pandemic.”
“We wondered if there was anything we could do to increase access to basic swim lessons,” Middlesex County Commissioner Ronald G. Rios said.
“Family safety is always a top priority, and as a parent and grandparent myself, I know this program will not only keep Middlesex County's children safe, but also provide peace of mind to their parents.”
“Teaching young people to swim saves lives, and Middlesex County is taking clear, proactive steps to ensure kids are prepared and comfortable in the water so if something goes wrong, they can help themselves,” said Middlesex County Deputy Commissioner Shanti Nala.
“Learning to swim improves physical fitness, builds self-confidence and most importantly, makes our community safer. I want to thank Middlesex County Public Health and the County Health Services Department for making this program possible.”
“By investing in water safety education, we are fostering a culture of safety and investing in the future of our community, which aligns with our overall commitment to improving the safety and quality of life for our residents,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenney.
“Thank you to everyone at the Middlesex County Health Services Department for helping launch this pilot program. We also want to thank all of the swim instructors, coaches and lifeguards who helped foster a mindful community in the water. Without you, this program wouldn't be possible.”
As part of the program, the Middlesex County Health Department will work with city partners to reimburse city pools and nonprofit organizations for the costs of providing free lessons, officials said.
Officials said local governments can apply for grants to help offset the costs individuals or families pay for swimming lessons.
County residents can contact participating pools directly by phone or email. free Officials say this serves as a lesson.
These include:
- RWJ Fitness & Wellness (60 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, NJ, 07008 | 732-541-2333)
- Crystal Springs Family Water Park (380 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, NJ, 08816 | crystalsprings@eastbrunswick.org)
- Brookside Swim Club (41 Washington Avenue, Milltown, NJ, 08850 | 732-828-9885)
- Milltown Boro Pool (John F Kennedy Drive, 61 Violet Terrace, Milltown, NJ, 08850 | 732-828-8231)
- RWJ Fitness & Wellness Centre New Brunswick (100 Kirkpatrick Street #201, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901 | 732-873-1222)
- North Brunswick High School (98 Raider Road, North Brunswick Township, NJ, 08902 | 732-247-0922 ext. 475)
- Old Bridge YMCA (1 Mannino Park Drive, Old Bridge, NJ, 08857 | 732-727-0704)
- Raritan Bay YMCA (357 New Brunswick Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ, 08861)
- YMCA of Piscataway Community Center (520 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ, 07008 | 732-442-3632)
- South Amboy YMCA (200 John T O'Leary Boulevard, South Amboy, NJ, 08879 | 732-553-9622)
- Woodbridge Community Center (600 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ, 07095 | 732-596-4000)
According to officials, an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people die from drowning in the United States each year, or 10 people per day, making drowning the leading cause of accidental death among children.
Officials said cultural myths, personal fears and financial barriers contribute to the lack of comprehensive swimming instruction.
Officials say the program aims to reverse those statistics by helping second-graders overcome their fears, learn to swim and use that knowledge for the rest of their lives.
For more information, www.middlesexcountynj.gov/swim.
