The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) — The world is 71 percent water; children are 100 percent curious.
Keeping those quick facts in mind, area second graders recently honed their swimming skills through the enhanced Safety Around Water program.
Students in Alleghany Highlands Public Schools enjoyed some fun time in the pool and instructional time in the classroom advancing their water skills and learning safety tips through this educational initiative that was hosted by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA March 24-April 4. The YMCA provided the swim instructors, lifeguards and the facilities.
“The Alleghany Highlands YMCA has offered Safety Around Water for several years and is committed to teaching children how to be safe in and around the water,” said Bobbie Wagner, Alleghany Highlands YMCA president and CEO. “Thanks to our partnership with Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, the YMCA offers this program to all second graders in our community.”
These Safety Around Water exercises continue a long-standing collaboration between the YMCA and area schools. The program consists of specific lessons designed to teach children water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning and build their skills and confidence around water.
“This program could possibly save some lives as water safety is critical when enjoying any body of water,” Wagner added. “Our goal is for kids to be confident and develop enough skills to keep them safe in the process.”
With over 175 students taking the course in 2025, this is the largest number of second graders served to date.
Each class receives 45 minutes of instruction, five different sessions in the pool and five Safety Around Water lessons in the classroom.
“We are excited by the opportunity to help our students grow in lifelong fitness and in water safety through this swimming program,” said Kim Halterman, superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. “We’re truly grateful for the YMCA’s presence in our community.”
Since its inception, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA has provided a variety of youth and family programs and expanded memberships and services into all of the Alleghany Highlands communities. For more information on aquatics programs offered by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA, call (540) 962-9622.
