‘Schools in Pools’ program teaches NHCS second graders water safety

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Instead of spending the entire school day in the classroom, many New Hanover County Schools second graders are learning life-saving swim skills through a partnership with the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina.

The “Schools in Pools” program provides free swimming lessons and transportation for students during the school day at the Nir Family YMCA in Wilmington.

According to organizers, the program has served around 300 second graders over the past year in partnership with New Hanover County Schools.

The program was launched in 2023 to help families who may not have reliable transportation or access to swimsuits for their children.

Aquatics Director Lindsey Hays said the lessons are especially important in coastal southeastern North Carolina, where many families live near water.

“They have a blast, they get to get out of the classroom, move around have fun and learn something along the way too,” Hays said. “I mean we live in an area surrounded by water so this is critical life skills that they are learning and we are able to provide that for them free of cost which is really special.”