County School to Pool program helping 100 South Maui keiki learn to swim

After launching recently in Central Maui, the County of Maui’s new School to Pool program is now making a splash in South Maui with Kīhei Elementary School students.

One hundred second graders are learning to swim during School to Pool sessions at the Kīhei Aquatic Center. Upon completion, students will receive County certificates for American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 1 and 2.

“We are surrounded by water; it’s an important skill that kids need to have,” Kīhei Elementary teacher Hannah Parker said. “When (students) first heard of this program – they have never had this kind of thing available to them – they all were jumping with joy.”

The pilot program, led by the County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Aquatics Section, offers eight swimming classes for elementary school students who can walk from school to their area pool with the help of school staff.

Led by County DPR Pool Manager Duke Sevilla and Aquatics Recreation Technician and Special Olympics Swim Coach Sirena Lacour — with support from lifeguards and staff — School to Pool teaches students water safety, floating, basic movement and stroke skills, following American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim guidelines.

“Swim lessons are crucial for any child,” Lacour said. “Not only does swim instruction reduce the risk of drowning and improve water-safety skills, but swimming is also a fun way to stay active and encourage healthy living from an early age.”

DPR’s School to Pool program launched in February with 25 Hawaiian Mission Academy Maui students in Kahului.

Kīhei Elementary School began its program with swim evaluations on March 9 and 10. The program officially kicked off March 30, serving 100 students across five classes of 20 students each.

“This is something that all of our community and all of schools should have because not all of the parents have the ability to teach their kids as well as just bringing their kids to the pool in the summer,” Kīhei Elementary teacher Ashley Farias said. “I get that there are programs offered, but they are working, so they don’t have the chance to do that. This gives them the chance to learn to swim from professionals.”

One of the County instructors, lifeguard Kobe Lilio, has been teaching swim lessons for years. Lilio grew up on Maui and swam for veteran coach Reid Yamamoto at Hawai‘i Swim Club.

“I have a lot of fun teaching the kids how to swim because swimming has been my passion for a very long time,” Lilio said. “I feel like it is my responsibility as a past club swimmer to teach the next generation of kids how to swim, especially here in Hawai’i where we are surrounded by water 24/7.”

For general information on County DPR, visit www.mauicounty.gov/parks.