Among the swimmers who participated in last month’s YMCA Learn to Swim program were, from left, Mckinley Wiatt, Lee Matthews, Abigail Collins and Austin Sadler.

The Mathews Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim program proved to be a big hit with second graders during the last days of the school year.

According to Mathews Y Director Buzz Lambert, 54 children participated in the program, which was held at the Mathews Yacht Club.

Mathews Elementary School second grade teacher Stacie Wiatt said the children were fortunate to have the support of the YMCA to learn water safety skills.

“When the program started years ago, it was eye opening to find that a great number of students are unaware of these skills and feel very nervous in the pool,” she said. “With our county surrounded by water, the YMCA is helping students build a foundation to keep them safe and knowledgeable while around water.”

Wiatt said she and other teachers and parents are grateful for the opportunity provided to the...