James Island approves subsidized swim lessons with Gullah Swim Academy for up to $4,500

The Town of James Island council approved funding of up to $4,500 from its remaining grant fund balance to support subsidized swim lessons offered by Gullah Swim Academy.

Mayor Bridal Lyon described the program terms presented to the council: “The 75 is 75 per child or adult and that would include the lane rentals, the she has to pay extra insurance as well as the instruction. It would also provide a swim cap and then goggles to use for each child. And, the maximum number of children or or persons that we could accommodate in this particular summer session would be 60 at tops at $75 per person. That would be a total of $4,500.”

The council agreed to pay the subsidy from the grant fund balance that the mayor said had $11,500 remaining for the fiscal year; the approved amount would be paid before the end of the fiscal year if the program proceeds. The motion to authorize spending up to $4,500 carried unanimously on a roll-call vote.

Why it matters: council members and a community representative said local children lack swimming skills and the island is surrounded by waterways, which raises safety concerns. The program, organized by Gullah Swim Academy instructor Nicole Ashby, is intended to increase access to basic swim instruction for children and adults in the community.

Program details provided at the meeting: - Cost to participant under the arrangement: $75 per person (includes lane rental, instruction, swim cap and goggles). - Maximum capacity: 60 participants per session; total maximum program cost under the town subsidy: $4,500. - Funding: proposed from the town’s remaining grant fund; mayor reported approximately $11,500 still available.

Staff and the mayor said the exact enrollment and final payout would depend on sign-ups. The council’s approval authorizes the town to support enrollment up to the approved funding limit; staff will finalize logistics with the Gullah Swim Academy.