| What is Make A Splash?
Make a Splash is a national child-focused water safety initiative created by the USA Swimming Foundation. Make a Splash educates parents through a national awareness campaign, saves lives by joining forces with grassroots learn-to-swim programs and reaches thousands of children through wide-reaching initiatives.
How is Vashon involved?
Vashon Aquatic Club is one of five organizations across the U.S. selected and certified to team with USA Swimming Foundation to form a local partner program. Our partnership with King County Parks and Vashon Park District, called Make A Splash Vashon, will provide FREE American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim & Water Safety lessons to all Vashon 3rd and 4th grades students.
Why is a water safety initiative so import?
Children face a serious risk in and around water as highlighted by the following statistics*:
- 9 people drown each day in the U.S.
- Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional-injury deaths among children 1-14 years old.
- In ethnically-diverse communities, youth drowning rate is more than double national average.
- In 2006, 123 people drown in Washington State
- 24 people drown in King County in 2007 - excluding drowning from boating accidents.
What can a small community like Vashon do to reduce the risk of drowning?
Drowning has become an important community and public health issue. Teaching children to swim and water safety at an appropriate age will reduce this risk and provide them a life saving skill.
You and Make A Splash Vashon can help by:
- First, teach children to swim and water safety from an accredited and reliable institution and certified instructors.
- Second, ensuring all family members know how to protect children around water.
- Then, making swimming a regular part of the families’ year-round activities to improve skills.
Why use the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim and Water Safety lessons?
These is the oldest and most recognized course of its kind in the world. They help swimmers of all ages and abilities develop their swimming and water safety skills and give students a positive learning experience.
These lessons are taught in logical progressions from curriculums based on the latest improvements and research. The objective is to teach people to swim and to be safe in, on and around the water.
How long do the lessons take?
American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim and Water Safety classes are offered at different levels based on the students abilities in morning and afternoon sessions. Morning sessions contain 10 – one-half hour lessons; Afternoon sessions contain 8 – one-half hour lessons. Lessons are offered every two weeks through out the summer. Check with King County Pool for specific information – 463-3787.
Is my child eligible for FREE lessons?
All 3rd and 4th grade Vashon children registered in the 2007-2008 school year at Chautauqua Elementary, Carpe Diem and Harbor School are eligible.
How can my child get FREE swim and water safety lessons?
A letter will go home with students on June 5th. SAVE THIS LETTER – It is your child’s invitation to participate. Bring it to the King County Pool when you register for swim lessons this summer.
Please Note: Registration for these FREE lessons will not be accepted without this letter or proof of residency and enrollment in Vashon schools for the designated grade and school year.
Are scholarships available?
Families that qualify may receive a $100 scholarship to apply to these lessons. Eligibility requires: 1.) Proof of current participation in the Free and Reduced Fee School Lunch Program; and 2.) Completing a scholarship form to determine eligibility. Scholarship forms can be picked up at the following locations:
- Chautauqua Elementary Office
- Carpe Diem School
- Harbor School
- Vashon Park District
- King County Pool
They may also be downloaded from the Vashon Park District.
When will registration begin?
Registration begins June 9th; Classes begin June 23rd. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend you register as early in the summer as possible as sessions fill quickly.
If my child cannot participate this year, will FREE lessons be offered next year?
First, we encourage all families to take advantage of this offer as soon as possible. But, if your child is unable to participate this year, please keep checking back with us. Our goal is to develop a sustainable annual program through grants, public and private support and fundraising.
How can I participate in this local initiative and help save lives and?
There are several ways you can help reduce the drowning risk to children:
- Enroll your children in an American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim and Water Safety class.
- Provide the opportunity to another relative or friend who may not otherwise have the opportunity to develop a life saving skill.
- Coming Soon! Make a donation to our Make A Splash Vashon Fund to fund future lessons.
- Support the national Make A Splash initiative.
How can I get more information?
Visit USA Swimming Foundation or contact us at: makeasplash@vashonaquaticclub.org
Links to Drowning Prevention Resources:
USA Swimming Foundation
National Program Initiative Information
http://www.swimfoundation.org/
Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center
Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Information
www.drowning-prevention.org
Injury and Violence Prevention, Public Health
Seattle & King County
Pool and Water Safety
http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/injury/drowning.htm
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