The team at Silver Bear Swim School believes that swimming is a rite of passage – an important life skill that’s beneficial to every child’s physical, emotional and social well-being. However, swimming provides more than just health and happiness. Comfortability in the water should be viewed as a survival tool too, and that’s why the franchise has teamed up with the Hope Floats Foundation: to make sure that all children, regardless of their financial situations, have access to this life-saving skill. By Jessica Petrucelli
GIVING BACK
The team at Silver Bear Swim School believes that swimming is a rite of passage – an important life skill that’s beneficial to every child’s physical, emotional and social well-being. However, swimming provides more than just health and happiness. Comfortability in the water should be viewed as a survival tool too, and that’s why the franchise has teamed up with the Hope Floats Foundation: to make sure that all children, regardless of their financial situations, have access to this life-saving skill.
“We at Silver Bear Swim School believe that every child deserves access to high-quality swim lessons, regardless of cost,” said Jamie Proctor, Hope Floats ambassador for Silver Bear Swim School’s South Reno and Sparks, Nevada, locations. “We have been partnering with The Hope Floats Foundation since March 2020 to give scholarships to students in our area who would not otherwise be able to afford lessons.”
Because drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death in children under 4 and the second leading cause of death in children under 14, Proctor believes it’s important for children to be comfortable in the water.
“Formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%,” she noted.
Providing learn-to-swim lessons for children 6 months to 15 years old, Silver Bear Swim School currently serves over 5,000 children per week across all locations. A team of highly trained instructors guides each student through the necessary fundamentals, helping them achieve a higher level of water safety and confidence. Using games, toys and songs, the franchise’s lessons introduce students to all swimming drills in an engaging and positive manner.
Additionally, the partnership with the Hope Floats Foundation extends those same lessons to children in need.
“Hope Floats raises money by partnering with individuals, businesses and foundations that want to be a force for good in their communities,” the organization notes on its website, detailing how places like Silver Bear Swim School provide scholarships for swimming lessons for children living in poverty. “Scholarships and tuition assistance are provided to children who might not otherwise be able to afford swim lessons.”
For Silver Bear Swim School franchisees, Hope Floats is an opportunity for them to give back to the community and help keep children safe.
Jessica Petrucelli