YMCA Splash

Pilot program teaches second graders water safety

leonnah@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- About 100 second graders at Lee Hunter Elementary will be safer this summer in and around the water after completing a pilot program at the YMCA in Sikeston.

The four-day program, YMCA Splash, ended Wednesday at the YMCA of Southeast Missouri after offering four 50-minute sessions that teach water safety practices and basic swimming skills.

"This is a national program sponsored by the YMCA so we also incorporate the YMCA core character values -- caring, honesty, respect and responsibility," said Chris Hodgkiss, senior program director for the local YMCA.

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