SC State Representative Proposes Swimming Lessons for Public High School Students

A South Carolina State Representative thinks public high school students should have swimming lessons provided by the district for free before they graduate. Representative Wendell Gilliard of Charleston says with the growth of the state -much of it near waterways and the ocean- means it's time to get with the times and provide swimming lessons in public schools. Parents we spoke to today at the Swim Club in Spartanburg say it's a great idea.

How would school districts pay for it? According to Gilliard, “When you look at ideas like incorporating private businesses to give tax incentives to invest in these classes, so that students can take these courses, it's a good marriage."

Alicia Byrd has a 7-year-old daughter and thinks it's a great idea. The $5 she is paying this week for Destiny's swim camp is even well worth it. Byrd says, "That's a real good investment, for a lifetime experience."

We contacted Upstate school districts to see if they think it's feasible. Each which responded said the proposal is not financially or logistically possible. Here are the email responses:

Spartanburg District 1, Nancy McCarter, Assistant to the Superintendent: “Spartanburg District One does not have a swimming pool within 10 miles of our district.”

Spartanburg District 2, Rhonda Henderson, Spokesperson: “It would be wonderful if everyone could become an accomplished swimmer, and the motivation behind the idea of requiring that swimming lessons be provided to high school students for two years is understandable. Though we have not studied the details of the proposal, securing qualified instructors, transporting students to a public pool, supervising them adequately outside the more secure school setting, and working the course and its travel time into the school and bus schedules seem to render it financially and logistically unfeasible. Additionally, there likely are too few public pools in this area and most areas of the state to support the number of students who would be required to participate.”

Spartanburg District 5, Bobby Bentley, Dir. of Public Relations: “District Five offers aquatic sports classes at Byrnes High School through the physical education department. We partner with the Middle Tyger YMCA to use their swimming facilities. The students have to pay $40.00 to cover the costs of using the YMCA swimming facilities and the costs required to transport the students daily to the YMCA. We do not feel this should be a required course of instruction for all students. Most schools do not have the facilities and it would also cause a financial hardship on the schools or the families if it were required of all students.”

Cherokee County School District, Dr. Bill James, Superintendent: “It is possible, but probably not practical. We have a partnership with Limestone College that allows our swimming team to practice and hold meets there. It is not a public pool, so there would have to be other arrangements made. Adding that with the cost of transporting students and insurance makes this extremely difficult.
From a curriculum stand point some students are having difficulty getting 24 units toward graduation now. It appears that this would add two more. I would think a more practical approach would be to work with civic organizations such as YMCA, Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club.”

Laurens 56, Dr. Wayne Brazell: “Sooner or later we have to stop depending on the schools to do so many non-academic activities that use to be family responsibility. The cost would be substantial and it would be hard to fit it in when we already have one of the high number of units required to graduate in the country.

School District of Oconee County, Dr. Mike Lucas: “No, it is not feasible.”