Second-grade students from Pelham Oaks Elementary and Pelham Ridge Elementary have the opportunity to learn important swimming and water safety skills as part of the school day through the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program.

During a week of instruction at the Pelham YMCA, students rotate between classroom lessons focused on water safety and hands-on swimming instruction with YMCA-certified instructors, building confidence and learning skills that can last a lifetime.

Pelham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Keri Johnson, Assistant Superintendent Kim Kiel and elementary school principals recently joined members of the Shelby County Legislative Delegation and Pelham YMCA leadership to see the program in action. During the visit, members of the legislative delegation presented funding that is helping provide the program at no cost to students or families.

“Our goal is for every second-grade student to gain confidence in and around the water while learning skills that can benefit them for the rest of their lives,” said Assistant Superintendent Dorann Tanner. “We're grateful to the Shelby County Legislative Delegation for funding this opportunity and to the YMCA for partnering with us to provide swimming instruction for our students.”

“I see lives changed through this program and feel this overwhelming sense of community every time I share what the YMCA and Pelham City Schools are doing through Safety Around Water,” said Addison Davis of the Pelham YMCA.

We’re grateful for community partners who invest in our students and help us provide meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom!