Second graders from Desert View Elementary School begin their free swim lesson May 20, 2024, at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center.

HERMISTON — Students from Desert View Elementary School were the first to dive into the annual Second Grade Swim Lesson program at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center on Monday, May 20. Throughout two weeks, 388 students will receive personalized guidance from swim instructors and elementary school physical education teachers.

Hermiston Parks and Recreation provides introductory swim lessons for all second-grade students in Hermiston School District’s six elementary schools to begin the outdoor swim season.

A survey for parents and guardians before the lessons begin determines appropriate skill level placement for each student, and they receive a two-hour swim lesson of self-rescue skills, drowning prevention information, lifejacket fitting, land-based activities to prepare for the water and the ability to jump off the diving board with a lifeguard present. Those attending with higher swimming skills will focus on stroke lessons and breathing.

Each student receives additional take-home information on how to stay safe in the water and a water skill assessment from the instructor detailing each student’s drowning risk.

In 2023, evaluations from swim instructors showed that 76% of Hermiston second graders were at a high risk of drowning in calm, warm water and 3% were at low risk. When the program began in 2018, 83% of students were deemed high risk and only .007% were low risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 5-14.

“The city and cchool district have worked together to make these free swim lessons and the Hermiston Drowning Prevention Program a priority,” Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Artz said. “Our shared goal is to make sure every child knows how to safely enjoy the water, whether it’s here at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center or anywhere else families choose to swim.”

The Hermiston Drowning Prevention Program provides water safety and drowning risk information to the community. The program also provides Coast Guard-approved life jackets to those in need to stay safe in our surrounding waters. These life jackets are available for loan at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center where they also offer a pre-trip life jacket safety check. You can donate to the Hermiston Drowning Prevention program to help provide these materials by contacting Hermiston Parks and Recreation or the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center.

The Hermiston Kiwanis Club provides goggles to each student and supports the mission to provide swim lessons to as many students as possible.

West Park Elementary School — May 21

Highland Hills Elementary School — May 22

Sunset Elementary School — May 22

Rocky Heights Elementary School — May 31

Loma Vista Elementary School — June 5