Bluefield Fitness & Recreation Center hosts swimming camp for kids

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that we are currently at the peak of the drowning season in this country.

More and more people head to rivers, lakes, pools, and the ocean when the weather warms up, but for some, swimming is the last thing they’ll ever do. Safety in the water is one of the driving reasons.

One local group in the two Virginias is helping prepare kids by hosting a swimming camp. Kids in the Bluefield area was allowed Monday evening to learn important and lifesaving skills, such learning how to safely.

The lessons are hosted by the Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center. This swim camp lasts a week, giving kids ages 7 through 10 swimming lessons including proper breathing techniques and floating. While it looks like fun and games, what the students learn could be the difference between life and death in the water. 

“We want to be able to teach them that it’s important to know how to swim or even to just be able to float for the necessities to keep you alive.” Said Swin Instructor Rachael Wilson. 

In the United States, the CDC reports that there are around 4,000 drowning deaths reported every year. That’s 11 people drowning every day. It’s also the second-leading cause of unintentional death for kids aged 5 to 14. The director of the center, Rick Showalter, says camps like these are vital. 

“It’s something that everyone needs to know. Whether they are toddlers or seniors, they are going to be around the water,” he said. “People don’t want to be afraid of the water; they want to be able to protect themselves if they fall in.” 

Showalter adds that the best way to silence that fear and reduce the risk of any accidents is for kids to be prepared before they enter the water. While there are no more reservation spots available for this camp, Showalter says there will be more events later this year.

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