The City of Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board and the City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department recently completed a successful “Water Awareness” program which taught basic water safety to local children. Beth Cannon, Lead Swim Instructor for Aquatics, led the sessions with the assistance of YAB members each day. Students were taught basic swim techniques and how to play safely around the water, while also learning life-saving tips. Through partners at the Boys and Girls Club and at Girls Incorporated, children with little to no water experience were encouraged to sign up.

This program was only successful because three organizations came together to make it possible. The Aquatics Division provided the facility and the certified staffing. The YAB provided staff support and awarded a free swim lesson for each participant that completed the program. Boys and Girls Club and Girls Incorporated staffs signed up the participants and transported them to and from the pool each day for class.

There are various ways to get involved in Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks programs. Applications for the 2016-2017 City YAB will be available in April 2016 for Oak Ridge students that might be interested in serving. Swim lessons and lifeguarding classes are available with sessions beginning soon.

For more information about City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks programs, visit www.orrecparks.org or call 425-3450.

For more information about the City of Oak Ridge, please visit the website at www.oakridgetn.gov. Media contact: Nick Sisco at (865) 425-3546 or nsisco@oakridgetn.gov