HOP THE GAP
WATER SAFETY
Jenny Hawkins enjoys an afternoon at the Donelson-Hermitage Family YMCA swimming pool with son Evan (5) and daughter Abigail (8).
WATER SAFETY Teaching life-saving lessons at a young age Five-year-old Evan Hawkins was a little afraid of the water. His sister Abigail, 8, felt just the opposite. She was anxious and excited to learn the skills she’d need to finally take off her life jacket. So Evan and Abigail’s parents enrolled the kids in their first swim lessons at the Donelson-Hermitage Family YMCA. And, as expected, they took to the water in different ways.
DROWNING IS THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH IN CHILDREN AGES 1-14
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YMCA OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
“The first lesson did not go very well at all,” laughs mom Jenny Hawkins, recalling Evan’s first session early in the summer. “He was very nervous and scared. He didn’t like the water splashing in his face.” But with the encouragement of his instructors, Evan gained more confidence, making big progress by the end of his sessions. “Now he’s practicing on his own, getting his head wet, going under without holding his nose,” Jenny says. “He’s definitely a whole lot more comfortable in the water, wants to jump in off the side. He’s really having fun and enjoying it.” Meanwhile, Abigail continues to practice her strokes, eager to soon pass her swim test.