Time to “Waterproof” Gaston County Kids through Swim Programs
Programs offer a mix of fun, physical activity and safety to create a lifelong love of swimming
As the season turns, the Gaston County Family YMCA encourages
children and parents throughout Gaston County to explore the many
benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y
swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or
learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence,
while also learning safety skills that can save lives.
“It’s never too early to get children involved in swimming—it’s an
important for safety reasons, but also a great way to keep active and
healthy,” said Jeff Pesesky, Aquatics Director, Stowe Family YMCA.
“There are so many options for parents, but the best place to start is
by learning basic water safety skills that helps get kids familiar with
the water that often continues with swim lessons and competitive
swim programs and can even lead to a career.”
As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the Y encourages
parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between
their children and swimming—beginning with water safety. Following
are safety tips to practice when in and around the water:
n Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never
swim alone.
n Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.
n Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-
approved life jacket.
n Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s
reach.
n Children and adults should not
engage in breath holding activities.
In addition to learning lifesaving water
safety skills, swimming is a great way
to increase physical activity. Swimming
also motivates children to strive for
self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive
mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons
of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work
well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and
losing.
As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y
is a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety. The Y
continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits
of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in
the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including
group and private swim lessons, swim club and swim team, family
swims, water aerobics and more! To ensure that everyone has an
opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in
need to help cover the costs.
To learn more about the Gaston County Family
YMCA swim programs, please visit us online at
gastonymca.org.
School Safety
Gaston County Police School Resource Officers
“We are proud of our partnership
with law enforcement here in
Gaston County to ensure the safety
of our students and employees.
Our schools have a comprehensive
safety plan, which is reviewed on a
regular basis. All of our schools are
served by a police resource officer;
we have buzz-in entry and visitor
check-in systems at all schools; and
our campuses are equipped with
surveillance cameras. All of these
measures are in place to ensure
safety. Following the tragedy in
Florida, we were in contact with local law enforcement, and
they worked with us to increase police presence on and
around our school campuses as a precaution. Again, we
appreciate the partnership we have with law enforcement
and the vigilance of our students, employees, and others to
ensure that our schools are as safe and secure as possible.”
All students must follow the rules and regulations listed
in the Gaston County Student Code of Conduct. The basic
purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to help establish
and maintain a safe and orderly environment, which must
prevail if learning is to take place.
Student Code of Conduct rules are
in effect at any school function
or school sponsored activity and
while students are riding the bus.
They apply to any student whose
conduct at any time or place has
a direct and immediate effect on
maintaining order and discipline
in school.
Students receive a copy of the
Student Code of Conduct at the
beginning of the school year. All
new students registering in the
Gaston County Schools for the first time also receive a copy.
Parents and students should read the Code of Conduct and
make sure they understand the rules and regulations listed.
If you have a question about any rule or disciplinary
consequence, contact your child’s teacher or the school
principal. The Code of Conduct is the short form of the Board
of Education’s Code of Student Conduct in the policy manual.
The policy manual may be reviewed via the Gaston County
Schools’ website.
www.gaston.k12.nc.us
Parent Teacher Magazine• May/June 2018• 3