Calvert County proclaims May 2025 National Water Safety Month; aquatics staff outline lessons and outreach

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 2025 as National Water Safety Month on May 6 and heard from county aquatics staff about expanded swim lessons, certifications and school outreach.

Zachary Brycki, aquatics facility manager, told commissioners “Water safety means more than telling children to be careful when around pools and bodies of water. It teaches them how to incorporate water related exercises and activities in their lives.” He described the county’s American Red Cross learn‑to‑swim programs and instructor certification courses and said instructors have long supported the county’s effort to reduce drownings. Brycki noted nationwide drowning statistics during his remarks and framed the local program as a prevention and education effort.

Division Chief Brandon Medea and several swim instructors described local programming. Medea said the county provides “high quality education, certified training, and well maintained facilities” to “equip residents of all ages with skills and knowledge that they need to stay safe in and around the water.” Instructors described running infant classes, school field trips that brought fifth graders to pools for water‑safety days (one such program was supported by a grant), a growing homeschool program, and a partnership with Calvert County Public Schools for outreach.

Parks and Recreation director Bob Bridal emphasized Calvert County’s shoreline and the local dependence on water for work and recreation; he noted the county runs one of the largest Red Cross learn‑to‑swim programs in Maryland. The proclamation reads in part that the board “urges all citizens to remain vigilant around water, prioritize safety measures, and support initiatives that foster a culture of awareness and responsibility in aquatic environments.” The proclamation was signed by all five commissioners.

Ending: Aquatics staff encouraged parents and caregivers to enroll children early and said multiple programs (infant classes through adult lessons) are available locally; the county’s aquatics web pages and Parks and Recreation staff were cited as contact points for more information.