Aquatic Center Receives Grant to Teach Youngsters to Swim

Bloomingdale Patch Report

Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center was selected as one of three learn-to-swim providers in Florida to receive up to $5,000 in grant monies from the USA Swimming Foundation, thanks to a generous donation from Bealls Department Stores.

According to a press release issued by the sports center, Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, 405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon, was recognized as a “Make a Splash Local Partner,” one of more than 210 providers across the nation who has committed to the USA Swimming Foundation’s goal of helping provide the opportunity for every child in America to learn to swim.
 
So far BSAC has taught 100 kids to swim in 2011.

"While we have been teaching children to swim since 1963, the program has been a local partner since 2007," said Chuck Burgress, executive director of the BSAC. "Since then, BSAC has literally thousands of children that have gone through the program and are now more water safe."

“Our Make a Splash Local Partners make a difference by taking tangible action to advance the Make a Splash mission," said Chris LaBianco, chief development officer for the USA Swimming Foundation. “Local partners including the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center help us expand our reach across the country, and potentially save lives.”
 
“We are honored to be recognized by USA Swimming, its Make A Splash program and Beall’s as a leader in teaching children how to swim," said Burgess. "I, personally, am excited at the opportunity BSAC has to impact so many of our Brandon and Tampa Bay area youth. Every child should get the opportunity to learn how to swim, and this grant will help us in our mission to teach them.”
 
With the grant, BSAC will expand its ability to teach kids to swim by offering scholarships to offset lesson costs for 50 children.

“I am really excited about being able to reach out to the community to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to get swimming lessons.  With pools in most back yards and in community developments, ponds and the beach nearby, it is so important that every child know how to swim. It is a life skill that they will always have. I am thrilled when a child is swimming independently in the water and they realize that it isn't that hard and they have conquered a fear,” said BSAC aquatics director Theresa Hickie.
 
For more information on the Make A Splash program, visit MakeaSplash.org or contact Erin Green at egreene@usaswimming.org. For more information on the learn-to-swim program, contact Hickie at 813-689-0908.