Students at Newburgh’s San Miguel Academy will soon be able to “just keep swimming,” thanks to the swim team at Mount Saint Mary College, who are hosting swimming and water safety lessons for them on campus.
Lessons take place twice each week, in the Kaplan Center Pool at the college. Members of the swim team have been teaching lessons since the spring semester began in January.
During lessons, San Miguel students are taught basic swimming skills and water safety in order to meet their school’s requirements for joining the crew team. All students who finish the program are then able to swim 10 laps continuously, float on their back for five minutes, and tread water for 10 minutes.
Stefanie Sommer of Monroe, N.Y., a Mount freshman, says she’s enjoyed working with the San Miguel students.
“They are all really fun to be around, and it’s really nice seeing them improve day to day while gaining more confidence,” said Sommer.
Christopher Mance, head coach of the swim team at the college, oversees the lessons with his swimmers. He said, “This has been a great opportunity for MSMC student athletes to share what they learn in the pool to help teach life-saving skills to local children.”
The San Miguel Academy of Newburgh is a private institution that works to break the cycle of poverty through education. Students are engaged year-round, in a safe and positive learning environment, providing them with a high-quality education that creates opportunities for them after they leave the school.