b"Learn to Swim,Save a LifeClasses teach everyone water safetyBY ADRIANNA DONATA tlocalpools,swimmingcuso says. Fin,Ellis,andalltheinstructorsBut public pools arent the only places focused isnt just a summertime ac-The adult novice swim classes, taught by Ellison swim safety.tivityits a life-saving skill.Peters and a stellar support team, have consistentlyRobert Stapf, owner of our local British Swim Knowing how to swim cansold out. The program was expanded this summerSchool franchise, wants to change the statistics, meanthedifferencebe- to meet the need. too. People think drowning is loud, that theyll tween life and death.One grateful parent wrote to the Maplewoodhear splashing and screaming. But its not. Drown-Drowning is the leadingPool,James,ing is silent. A child can slip beneath the water in cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4,were amazing and deserve extra recognition. Ourseconds, even with adults nearby.and the second for kids ages 5 to 14. In 2024,family is very grateful for all they do all summerStapf runs his swim school out of Winchester Maplewoods pool staff introduced an enhancedlong! Gardens in Maplewood. He opened the location learn-to-swim curriculum. Swim lessons are open to all Maplewood resi- becausehebelievedintheschoolsmission:to Maplewoods Director of Community Services,dents. Financial assistance is available. Visit maple- teach water survival skills first, formal strokes sec-Melissa Mancuso, says, We remind all new swim- woodcommunitypools.org to learn more. For Southond. The program was founded in 1981 by British mers that the water doesnt know how old you areOrange residents, visit southorange.org/475/Pool. national swimmer Rita Goldberg, who created aPonds, lakes, and pools are all potentially danger- method focused on body control, safety, and con-ous without proper supervision and buddy systems. fidence, starting in infancy.Our team is truly changing livesone swimStapf recommends beginning lessons as early lesson at a time, says Mancuso. as 3 months old. Once your child can move on And the results speak for themselves: the poolstheir own, theres a risk. We teach them how to dedicatedteamdelivered509swimlessonsthisfloat, how to get to the edge of the pool. Its not past season to students ages 3 to 83. just about learning to swimits about knowing As both a parent and an aquatics professional,how to survive.I love the quote: If your child is in the water, youHe also cautions against relying on flotation de-should be too! Helping adults overcome fear ofTo honor their extraordinary work, the Maplewoodvices such as water wings. Floaties give kids a false Pool's Learn to Swim staff were treated to a surprise water sets a powerful example for children, Man- recognition event at the end of the 2024 season. sense of security. They can slip off, and they prevent 30/ matters magazine / summer 2025"