FLORENCE, Wis. — Florence County School District third-grade students are looking forward to participating in free swimming lessons this month that are funded by 100-Plus Women Who Care in partnership with the YMCA, with transportation provided by the school district.

These lessons aim to teach basic swimming and general water safety. A signed permission form is required to participate.

Fatal drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths for those younger than 14 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention. Research shows that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce that risk of drowning. Water safety in rural areas includes not just pools but rivers and lakes.

For questions or more information on the swim lessons, contact the Florence County school or Florence County Health Department Director Annette Seibold at 715-528-4837. The Florence County Health Department is on the first floor of the county courthouse, 501 Lake Ave. in Florence.