Students learn water safety at Bay pool

On June 5, the students in the Spirit of America Boating Education Program, sponsored by the Bay Village School District, learned water safety at the Bay swimming pool. Fifty-two students arrived to the first class of the hands-on boating education program. 

Each student was fitted with a free life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD) and they proceeded into the pool area.  Students were instructed in three separate areas of the pool. At one area students practiced helping a person get out of the water using the reach, throw, row and go method. They learned not to go in after someone if not a trained lifesaver.

In another area students, with their PFDs on, jumped into the water to see how the vests would keep them afloat. They had to travel the length of the pool and back. They also tossed the PFD into the water and tried to put it on in the water. Not an easy task. 

The third area was a presentation by members of the Bay Village Fire Department, who brought the department's water rescue boat and other equipment. They answered questions and talked about the equipment and reminded students about water safety. Students enjoyed trying on the survival suit and sitting on the boat. In a large group session students were reminded about water safety and boating accidents. 

All of the students also participated in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft Ohio Boating Education Course held on May 15 and 22. Students received a certificate to identify them as having taken the 12-hour class and passing the exam. The Safe Boating program is funded in part by a grant from the Division of Watercraft and the National Water Safety Congress. 

Students are currently involved in hands-on learning with sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and a variety of power boats. This program would not be possible without the help of several local volunteers who are sharing their boating knowledge and experience. Photographs of the students' activities can be found in the Bay Village section of the photo gallery on the website: www.spiritofamerica95.org.

George Christ is the coordinator of the West Cuyahoga Spirit of America Safe Boating Program.