The Mathews Family YMCA partnered with the Mathews County School system and the Mathews Yacht Club to offer Learn to Swim. This program teaches safety around water techniques to all second graders at Mathews Elementary School. The program, provided at no charge to the children, included classroom instruction followed by four in-pool sessions.

“With the many miles of waterfront in the county, this instruction is a much-needed life skill. It is a joy to see the children master some basic water skills,” Mathews Y executive director Buzz Lambert said.

Volunteers Pat Daniels, Mary Mac Hoffman and Janice Phillips from the Mathews Yacht Club and the Mathews Y assisted the YMCA aquatics staff with in-water instruction.

“The second graders at Mathews Elementary are fortunate to have the YMCA offer the Learn to Swim program,” teacher Stacie Wiatt said. “The program offers opportunities for students to take swim lessons and provide water safety knowledge that is important for living in ...