Third graders get ‘waterproofed’

Sisters third graders are becoming better swimmers thanks to the efforts of Sisters Athletic Club and Sisters Rotary Club.

Last Wednesday morning, about 100 kids graduated from the clubs’ Swim Academy. Boys and girls from Sisters Elementary School’s three third-grade classes cheered as they were given certificates, T-shirts and caps.

During Swim Academy classes, the kids have fun playing games such as “Steal the Bacon” in which two teams swim to capture a foam float. But the purpose of the training is serious: to keep kids from drowning.

Sisters Athletic Club Aquatics Director Jeremy Storton uses games to build on the safety skills kids are learning.

“I like to build anticipation with the kids. I think it helps to focus their mental energy,” said Storton.

Storton, who played water polo and swam competitively, says we shouldn’t take swimming skills for granted. Storton said it’s important for kids to learn to swim safely since we live around potentially dangerous rivers. After completing Swim Academy, he wants kids to be able to go to places such as Suttle Lake and have fun and feel confident.

“It’s a lifelong skill that will benefit them on many levels,” said Storton.

The idea for the program took root several years ago when Sisters Athletic Club founder Tate Metcalf was building the 75-foot -long indoor lap pool. He and Sisters Rotary Club President Mike Bidasolo wanted to make sure Sisters kids are safe in the water. The two set the goal of teaching third graders to swim.

Sisters Athletic Club donates the use of its pool and the club splits the cost of paying the swim instructors with Rotary.

The Swim Academy is a three-week session in which students are sorted into low, middle and high skill levels. Some students may be afraid to put their faces in the water and will begin with basic safety skills such as floating and how to get to the side of the pool. Advanced kids may learn the finer points of the breast stroke and how to swim long distances.

Metcalf said the Swim Academy classes are fun to watch.

“There is so much energy in that room for the hour,” said Metcalf.

Metcalf remembers one student who had never swum before and wasn’t interested in athletics. However, the girl overcame her fears and was soon “willing to try everything.”

“There was no quit in that little girl,” said Metcalf.

Bidasolo said Rotary is happy to partner with the Athletic Club to bring safety and enjoyment to the third graders. He praised Storton and all the swim instructors for getting the kids “fired up.”

“He can really communicate with those kids and that makes all the difference,” said Bidasolo.