YMCA, PCPS announce swimming partnership

PULASKI, Va. – The Pulaski YMCA is happy to announce a restored partnership with
Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS) to offer free Water Safety and Introduction to
Swimming lessons to all second-grade students. These classes will promote and teach
water safety and introduce children to swimming in a controlled, nurturing environment.
The Pulaski YMCA has long been committed to serving the youth of the New River Valley.
This includes ensuring students are prepared for the water-related activities our
community has to offer.
“With Claytor Lake, the New River, Little River Reservoir and Gatewood Reservoir and
other rivers and streams within the County, we felt this would be an outstanding
opportunity to teach our students the importance of water safety and give them the
chance to learn how to swim under the direction of certified lifeguards”, said PCPS
Superintendent Robert Graham.
This is the first week these lessons have been offered since before the pandemic. The
classes are open to second graders at all Pulaski County Elementary Schools. More than
50 students have participated so far with lessons to continue throughout the year.
Multiple lifeguards, instructors, YMCA and PCPS staff were on hand to help children
navigate the lessons in a safe and enjoyable setting. Accommodations have been made to
ensure students with various backgrounds and abilities are able to take part in this and
learn basic water safety and be introduced to swimming.
“It is great to see so many kids enjoying and learning in our YMCA pool. We appreciate
our partnership with the Pulaski County School System and thank Superintendent
Graham, the school principals, and the Pulaski County School Board for working closely
with the YMCA to provide this resource to the youth of our county,” said YMCA CEO
Dave Adkins.