Newport-Mesa Unified School District has partnered with the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation, the YMCA of Orange County-Newport Mesa Gym & Fitness Center, the City of Costa Mesa, and Newport Harbor High School Swim and Water Polo Programs to pilot a Swim and Water Safety after-school program at Whittier Elementary and College Park Elementary Schools.

The eight-week, 16-session classes teach critical life-saving safety skills. “Thanks to the NMUSD Board of Education championing this program, our expanded learning team, and our wonderful community partners, we have been able to put together this pilot program,” said Christy Flores, Director of Engagement, Partnership, & Expanded Learning.

Initially offered to Whittier Elementary students in grades 2 through 5, the program was expanded to students in grades 2 through 6 at College Park Elementary School. Students enrolled in the program are transported via school bus to the YMCA’s Newport Mesa Gym and Fitness Center or the City of Costa Mesa Aquatic Center, where they receive a tour of the facilities, an introduction to expectations, and a brief overview of dryland and water safety. Experienced lifeguards then take the students into the water to conduct basic swim assessments, determining their existing skill levels. 

“For many students, this is their first time in the water. Initially, it was scary for some, but the students have overcome their fears and are loving the classes. We want to make it a fun time for everyone, and we’re grateful for the instructors who build our students’ confidence in a way that teaches them to be safe,” Flores said. 

“I have heard countless kids share how not knowing how to swim has impacted their confidence and ability to fit in on campuses a mile from the beach,” said Board of Education Trustee Ashley Anderson. 

To properly outfit the young swimmers, the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation provided them with swimsuits, towels, and T-shirts. Additionally, Newport Harbor students collected goggles to distribute to the students. 

As most Whittier Elementary students typically attend Newport Harbor High School, that connection is important. Early water and swim safety lessons will lead to greater confidence and a strong foundation for participating in sports such as sailing, surfing, swimming, and water polo. College Park students will advance to Costa Mesa Middle and High School, which offers opportunities to join swimming and water polo teams.      

“Working to ensure that our students are promoted to middle school knowing how to swim is a top priority of mine. Learning to swim and to read well are two essentials that close the opportunity gap and have a lifelong impact,” Anderson said.

Students who complete the Swim and Water Safety program will have the opportunity to participate in various local Junior Lifeguard Program swim tests. The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation has offered to cover the fees for students who enroll in Newport Beach’s ocean-based program after completing the district’s Swim and Water Safety program. 

“I’m extremely grateful for the work of district and city staff, as well as several community partners, for the collaborative and generous efforts to provide free swim lessons, bathing suits, and goggles for our students,” Anderson said. 

Building on the success of the programs at Whittier and College Park, the district intends to expand its partnerships to offer the Swim and Water Safety program as part of after-school enrichment programs at additional elementary schools. 

The Swim and Water Safety program at Whittier and College Park is a powerful example of how community partnerships can create life-changing opportunities for students. By uniting district efforts with organizations such as the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation, the YMCA, and the City of Costa Mesa, Newport-Mesa equips students with essential skills that foster safety and confidence.