Students from Carmie Schmoll’s third grade class from Florence Elementary receive instruction from Aquatic Staff Anna Briseno, Deborah Wilton and Joni McClure.

IRON MOUNTAIN – Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center’s annual third grade swim program is underway with nearly 375 children expected to participate throughout the next few weeks.

According to the CDC, about one in five people who die from drowning are children, and for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Research indicates the participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children.

The YMCA, with the support of Marshfield Medical Center Dickinson Center, is out to reduce the risk by offering free swimming lessons to every third grader in the county!

“Living in a region of lakes and rivers, water safety is always a top concern. We believe strongly in teaching our children how to swim and third grade is an ideal age to have these kids participate in the program,” YMCA Aquatics Director Anna Briseno said. “They have both the mental and physical capacity to learn in a large group setting.”

Each class of third graders receive five 40-minute lessons as part of the swim program. The program begins in February and wraps up the middle of March. In addition to the swimming lessons, the kids are introduced to boat safety, correct life jacket fit, proper water attire as well as sun and heat safety.

Participating schools include: Woodland Elementary School in Kingsford, North Elementary School in Iron Mountain, Norway Elementary School, Bishop Baraga Catholic School in Iron Mountain, Holy Spirit Catholic School in Norway, North Dickinson School in Felch, Niagara Schools in Niagara, Wis., and Florence Elementary in Florence, Wis. This year also included are homeschooled children from the community.

“This is why we are here, supporting and delivering on the mission of the YMCA,” Executive Director Jonathan Ringel noted. “As we continue to grow, these are the types of programs we hope to be able to bring to the area. Our YMCA, along with the support of Marshfield Medical Center, can and will be whatever our community desires and supports. We’re really happy to make it happen.”

YMCA Annual Campaign dollars and partnerships like Marshfield Medical Center help provide programming and membership assistance to hundreds in the community. Donations to the YMCA Annual Campaign can be made by calling 906-774-4076 or online at www.nlymca.com/dickinson.