Learning how to swim and stay safe around water is a real lifesaver. As part of their Physical Education classes, Catskill fourth graders take aquatics in June. Along with learning basic and more advanced strokes, kicks, and rhythmic breathing techniques, students get prepped in how to use a personal flotation device (PFD), stay warm in open water, and “Reach or Throw, Never Go,” methods to help others in danger without going in the water and putting themselves in harm’s way.
Special thanks go out to Wolff’s Maple Breeze Resort and the Mansey Family for providing the use of their pool at no cost to our school.
- “Reach or Throw, Never Go” safety lesson, which teaches students to use equipment available to them to help those in danger WITHOUT going in the water
- Personal Floatation Device H. E. L. P. (Heat Escape Lessening Position) survival lesson on how to stay warm in open water by drawing in your arms and legs.
- Group H.E.L.P. position…. survival skills within a group while in open water.
- Our 4th graders made thank you cards for Wolff’s Maple Breeze Resort. Pictured here, our PE staff present them to the owner’s daughter.