Youth Drowning Prevention Camp

Description

This grant supports a week‑long informational drowning‑prevention swim camp for forty students. The camp’s purpose is to ensure participants learn how to swim, respond safely during water‑related emergencies, and reduce risk when no lifeguard is present, such as at a river, lake, or beach. Instruction will combine pool‑based practice with indoor sessions focused on essential soft skills. Because many families visit natural swimming areas during the summer without access to formal instruction, recreational swimming can become hazardous for those who lack proper training.

The camp is designed to lessen these risks for students who rarely have access to a supervised pool or qualified instructors. Funds will support purchases of supplies for pool activities, safety equipment, materials for indoor sessions, and access to a local sports center pool. Nine Peace Corps Volunteers with experience in lifeguarding, swimming, and first aid will help facilitate a safe learning environment.

Local community members and associations are actively involved in implementation, including community counterparts, leadership within a children’s youth association, and the owner of the sports center pool. These contributors are committed to strengthening youth development and are eager to support this initiative. Students who previously lacked such opportunities will gain essential life skills, including personal responsibility, self‑confidence, self‑awareness, self‑control, risk management, patience, and habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.