Every first and second grader living within the boundaries of the Waukegan Park District has the opportunity to learn how to swim for free as part of its Smart Swim Initiative.
Though the youngsters may not be swimming laps in the pool before they complete the program, Tony Strack, the Park District’s supervisor of aquatics who is responsible for the swim programs, said they will learn some basic skills which can be lifesaving.
“They’ll learn how to float and keep afloat long enough to get to safety where someone is able to help them,” he said. “We are a lakefront community, and it’s important they learn how to be comfortable in the water.”
The Smart Swim Initiative won the National Recreation and Park Association’s Innovation in Health Award on May 20 for the way the program, “fosters a culture of health in the community,” according to information on the organization’s website.
Along with its first national award in 11 years, the Park District snagged a second one as Javier Martinez, the manager of fitness and aquatics, won the association’s Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of the Year Award.
Jay Lerner, the Park District’s executive director, said Tuesday winning a pair of awards both in part related to the Smart Swim Initiative, shows the leadership skills of Martinez, 30. He started with the Park District six years ago and received several promotions since.
“He has a bright future if his 30s and 40s are anything like his 20s,” Lerner said. “This is a big honor. This is of the entire United States.”
Divided into three parts, Strack said the Swim Smart Initiative provides free swimming lessons to first graders in the area who have not had them before, a field trip for all second grade students with their classmates and the annual Family Splash Bash.
Developing a comfort level in the water is essential. Martinez, who said he grew up swimming at Waukegan’s beach, said the activity is a lifesaving skill and good exercise. Developing a comfort level at an early age is crucial.
“If you’re not comfortable in the water, you’re not going to be safe,” Martinez said.
Whether a second grader was part of the first grade program or not, Martinez said they participate in the second grade field trip to the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center.
All Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 second graders go school by school. Martinez said some private schools also participate, and the Park District has reached out to school districts in Gurnee and Beach Park which are within its boundaries.
When the second graders arrive at the pool, Strack said they start in a classroom to get comfortable with the idea of getting in the water. Everyone receives a swimsuit so they feel at ease in the water with their classmates.
“It’s similar to the first grade lesson, but a little more condensed,” he said. “We get them comfortable floating, and they have them do a crawl (stroke) and back crawl.”
Carolina Fabian, a member of the District 60 Board of Education and a district administrator in 2018 when the program started, said it was the first free, inclusive field trip the students took.
“It’s really important for the kids to know how to swim, especially those who don’t have the money for lessons,” Fabian said. “Every child at least knows how to float. They learn to kick their legs and then swim.”
Just as getting children comfortable in the water is important, Strack said getting families relaxed in the pool is good for parents and children alike. One night a year an entire resident family can enjoy the pool for $10. It is $14 for those who live outside the district.
Joining the Park District approximately two years ago, Strack said working for Martinez has helped him develop his own management skills. His problem-solving ability has improved. as well as other areas of his work.
“He has great communication skills,” Strack said. “He has helped me learn how to work with different people, and come up with different solutions. He has done a lot for us at the Park District.”
Lerner said Martinez is a bilingual Waukegan native who experienced Park District programs as a youngster. His innate knowledge of the city helps him understand the people in Park District programs.
“He grew up in the community, and he is now serving the community he grew up in,” Lerner said. “He is a future leader of the community.”
