Dear Snohomish School District 2nd Grade Student and Family,

Did you know?

• Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States1, and second among children in the state of Washington.2
• Participation in formal swimming lessons may reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent among young children aged 1 to 4 years, who are at highest risk of drowning.3
• Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.4

Swim for Life, a nonprofit organization, was formed by local community members who have a passion for enriching the lives of young people in our community. Its mission is to make young people safer in the water. To that end, we would like you to know about our exciting partnership with Snohomish Aquatic Center.

Swim for Life is offering every 2nd grader enrolled in the Snohomish School District a free session of group swim lessons at the Snohomish Aquatic Center for the 2022-2023 school year. (Note: Sessions are typically four- or five-weeks long, and classes are offered once or twice a week.) This community program is being funded through generous donations raised through Swim for Life. To download a flier of 2022-2023 swim lesson session dates, please click here.

The Snohomish Aquatic Center strives to provide a FUN environment in which children can play, learn, and grow, with safety being the primary focus. The progressive learn-to-swim program is designed to help swimmers of all ability levels become safe and proficient in the water, teach essential water safety skills, include opportunities for in-session advancement, and work around busy schedules. The skills learned will carry throughout the lives of many, ensuring healthy and safe habits.

For details on how to enroll your 2nd grader in group lessons at Snohomish Aquatic Center, please see the FAQs. Please contact the Snohomish Aquatic Center at 360-568-8030 with any questions or concerns.

1 "Unintentional Drowning: Get the Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 24, 2014. Accessed May 26, 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html.
2 "Drowning Prevention Reports and Data." Drowning Prevention Statistics and Data. February 1, 2007. Accessed May 26, 2015. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/classes-community/community-programs/drowning-prevention/data/. PDF: Childhood Drowning Deaths in Washington State. February 2007.
3 "Unintentional Drowning: Get the Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 24, 2014. Accessed May 26, 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html.
4 "Physical Activity Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 7, 2014. Accessed May 26, 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/facts.htm.