This summer, Horizon Education Centers is making a splash with an initiative aimed at equipping children with essential water safety skills. In partnership with the Berea Recreation Center, Horizon is offering a full week of Learn to Swim programming to its summer camp students—an effort that could one day save lives.
Each week, children from Horizon’s 13 summer camp locations across western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties participate in the program. With approximately 1,000 campers enrolled, the initiative represents a significant investment in the safety and well-being of local youth.
Under the guidance of certified instructors from Berea Recreation Center’s Learn to Swim Program, children are assessed on their swimming abilities every Monday. Those who are unable to swim receive focused instruction throughout the week, learning basic swim techniques and water safety tips.
This initiative is deeply personal for Horizon Executive Director Dave Smith. Years ago, an incident involving a Horizon student who drowned during a family outing left a lasting impact on the entire organization and particularly on Smith. Since then, Smith has been passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn how to swim—especially in a region with abundant access to Lake Erie and other bodies of water.
“Our goal is simple,” says Smith. “If we can teach even a few children the basics of swimming, we might prevent a future tragedy. Every child deserves to feel safe and confident in the water.”
By combining fun summer activities with critical life skills, Horizon Education Centers enrich the lives of campers while also fostering a culture of safety and preparedness that extends far beyond the pool.
