Campus News
October 8th, 2019
October declared I Can Swim! month in Garrett County
Over 3,000 children have completed the program since 2011
Seated, from left to right are: Paul C. Edwards, Chairman, Garrett County Commissioners; James C. Hinebaugh, Garrett County Commissioner; S. Larry Tichnell, Garrett County Commissioner. Standing are: Karen DeVore, Cherie Krug, Executive Director, Garrett College Foundation; Dr. Richard Midcap, President, Garrett College; Penny Proudfoot.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners have declared October to be I Can Swim! month, recognizing the initiative that provides all Garrett County kindergarteners with basic swimming and water safety instruction.
At the conclusion of its seventh year, over 3,000 kindergartners in Garrett County have completed the I Can Swim! program, which began in September 2011.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, staggering statistics indicate that one in five people who die from drowning are children age 14 and younger. Additionally, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
"I'd like to thank the Garrett County Commissioners for designating October as I Can Swim! month," said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president. "I'm grateful to the commissioners for raising awareness about this live-saving initiative, as well as the annual financial contribution the commissioners have been providing to the I Can Swim! Program."
The program is representative of a collaborative partnership between Garrett College, the Garrett College Foundation, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners, and the Garrett County Board of Education.
"This is just one more example of how Garrett County organizations work together for the good of the public," said Midcap. "I appreciate all the Foundation, the Board of Education, and the commissioners do to support the College's work in this area."
Utilizing the Community Aquatic & Recreation Complex (CARC) at Garrett College, all kindergarten children are able to receive free American Red Cross basic swimming and water safety instruction. By incorporating the I Can Swim! program into the school day, the Garrett County Board of Education is able to provide school bus transportation for the children to the CARC.
For more information on the I Can Swim! program, individuals may contact the Garrett College Foundation Office at 301-387-3131.
