The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District (JNPSD) is encouraging families to make water safety and swimming education a priority, especially as families enjoy pools, lakes and other water activities.
According to the district’s water safety information, learning to swim can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. However, even strong and experienced swimmers can drown, making water safety knowledge and proper swimming skills important for everyone.
Nationally, 54% of Americans report that they cannot swim well enough to save themselves, while approximately 50% of adult Americans do not know how to swim.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of water safety education and swimming lessons available through local and national organizations. Local opportunities include swimming programs at the Jacksonville Community Center and Cabot Veterans Park Community Center.
The Jacksonville Community Center offers swimming lessons and can be reached at 501-982-4171. Families can also contact Cabot Veterans Park Community Center at 501-605-1506 for information about its Learn-to-Swim programs.
JNPSD also encourages families to explore water safety resources from organizations such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Red Cross and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Water competency goes beyond swimming. It includes swimming skills, understanding how to stay safe around water and knowing how to help others. By working together to strengthen these skills, JNPSD and its community partners hope to help make water activities safer—and just as much fun—for everyone.