DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — The “Splash Into Safety” program is offering a five-day, $5 drowning prevention course designed to help reduce the high rates of drowning in South Carolina. According to the CDC, the state ranks 9th in the U.S. for drowning deaths, prompting local organizations to take action.
In 2023, the Summerville Family YMCA partnered with Summerville Medical Center, Colleton County, and Dorchester County to introduce this mobile drowning prevention initiative. The program brings a portable swimming pool to underserved areas such as St. George and Walterboro, making water safety lessons more accessible to those who may not have financial or geographical access to traditional swim programs, which often cost $60 to $75 per lesson.
Focus on Children and Family Safety
While “Splash Into Safety” focuses primarily on teaching life-saving skills to children, the program also includes education for parents. Parents learn essential CPR techniques and are asked to become “Water Watchers” to help prevent water-related emergencies, both for their own children and others.
The program is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 15, with a guardian required to be present for the duration of each lesson.
Program Locations and Registration
The program will be held in multiple locations with specific dates and times available for registration. Below are the upcoming sessions:
Colleton County Parks & Rec
June 15-19
- 9 to 9:30 a.m.
- 9:40 to 10:10 a.m.
- 10:20 to 10:50 a.m.
- 11 to 11:30 a.m.
- 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
June 22-26
- 9 to 9:30 a.m.
- 9:40 to 10:10 a.m.
- 10:20 to 10:50 a.m.
- 11 to 11:30 a.m.
- 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
Davis-Bailey Park
July 6-10
- 9 to 9:30 a.m.
- 9:40 to 10:10 a.m.
- 10:20 to 10:50 a.m.
- 11 to 11:30 a.m.
- 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
July 13-17
- 9 to 9:30 a.m.
- 9:40 to 10:10 a.m.
- 10:20 to 10:50 a.m.
- 11 to 11:30 a.m.
- 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
How to Register
To register, simply review the schedule, choose your preferred time slot, and click on it. You will then be directed to the registration page to complete your sign-up.
This program aims to provide life-saving skills at an affordable cost while addressing the need for better water safety education in the region. It’s an important step in reducing drowning fatalities and ensuring that children in these communities are equipped with the skills to stay safe in and around water.
