When it comes to living on the Oregon coast, water safety isn’t just an extracurricular activity — it’s an essential life skill. Lincoln County School District is pleased to share that a vital partnership with Newport Parks and Recreation has been reignited to bring swim lessons back to the community’s children.
Reviving a Community Tradition
This swimming partnership isn’t new. Years ago, when the pool was located across from Sam Case Elementary, a similar program ran that phased out over time. But good ideas have a way of resurfacing.
Thanks to a two-year Pool Safety Grant from the Federal Government for 2025 and 2026, Newport Parks and Recreation has been able to relaunch this initiative. The grant focuses on offering free swim lessons to the public, and Lincoln County School District quickly emerged as the perfect partner to help deliver on this mission. The program officially restarted on April 3rd, and is already showing tremendous results.
Building Water Confidence Across the Community
While the initial focus included Yaquina View Elementary second graders, Newport Parks and Recreation Aquatics Coordinator, Chloe Hubbard, has expanded the program’s reach considerably. Free swim lessons are now being provided to:
- All second graders from Yaquina View Elementary
- Newport Middle School’s Future Bound group (6th-8th grade)
- PNW Coastal Academy (K-5th grade)
- 22 children (ages 3-17) through partnerships with Conexion Fenix and the Recreation Center’s Tacita de Cafe program
The program is also working with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz to provide free swim lessons to children affiliated with the tribe.
More Than Just Swimming — Learning to “Swim SAFE”
Through the Pool Safely Grant, Newport Parks and Recreation has developed the Water Safe Newport “Swim SAFE” program. This comprehensive approach teaches more than just technical swimming skills — it provides a water safety foundation that can save lives.
The curriculum covers critical components including:
- Start Smart: Planning ahead and engaging in water safety education
- Always Assess: Teaching children to evaluate water conditions and ask important questions before swimming
- Float with a Friend: Emphasizing the importance of swimming with companions and using proper flotation devices
- Emergency Preparation: Developing action plans for when things go wrong
Students learn essential survival skills like floating, performing safety “bobs,” and properly wearing life jackets. On the last day of lessons, each child receives a water safety packet to continue their education at home.
Making a Difference
The impact of these lessons is already evident. As one Yaquina View student named Mario from Ms. Torres’s class put it simply: “It is fun.” Another student, Sophia from Ms. Lund’s class agreed: “It’s fun. I want to do a swimming contest. I am learning to swim.”
Parents have noticed changes too. One parent remarked, “After three lessons, my child is a lot more confident. I appreciate that students can learn to swim and be safe in the water during school because I have not been able to get them to lessons with our busy schedules in the evening.”
“This is a great opportunity for our students,” says Yaquina View Principal Kristin Becker. “We are noticing that this is the first exposure to being in water (whether pool, river, lake, etc.) so learning to be safe and unafraid of the water is an important skill. We are so appreciative of the funding that the Newport Recreation Center secured in order for our students to be able to participate. Chloe and Mike Cavanaugh, Parks and Rec Director, have been great partners with us.”
For those interested in learning more about water safety resources, visit www.watersafenewport.com.
