Mecklenburg County offers free swim lessons for children ages 3–18 to boost water safety

Mecklenburg County announced a free swim-lesson program open to children ages 3 through 18, aiming to expand access to water-safety instruction across the community. "Mecklenburg County is super excited to offer free swim lessons to anyone between the ages of 3 and 18," an agency official said, inviting families to enroll. County representatives framed the program as a life-skill initiative intended to reduce drownings and increase children's confidence in the water.

The presenter pointed to safety research to justify the program, saying "Statistics have shown that children who take formal swim lessons between the ages of 1 to 4 drowning cuts down about 88 percent." The lessons will teach practical skills such as floating, underwater comfort, and how to ask permission before entering water; instructors will also speak with parents about supervision and vigilance. A resident who spoke in support said returning participants had shown clear progress: "Last year they were here, they learned a lot, and they were willing to come back here this year as well." The presenter described children who initially cling to caregivers becoming able to go underwater and retrieve objects by the end of a multi-week session.

Program leaders emphasized that skills learned at county pools are meant to translate to neighborhood pools, lakes and rivers, and they said the county hopes wider participation will help cut local drowning statistics. The county characterized the program as free and open to eligible ages, and speakers closed by thanking the community for participation and noting the program's positive reception.