Richmond Schools launches swimming program after 4 decades without

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time in over four decades, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is sponsoring a swimming program and launching a varsity swimming team. In a Dec. 19 press release, SwimRVA announced that, through its partnership with the school division, RPS now has a swimming program -- after over 40 years without. The new varsity swimming team's first meet is slated for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the SwimRVA-CSAC, located at 5050 Ridgedale Parkway. It will feature athletes from Armstrong, Huguenot, John Marshall, and Thomas Jefferson high schools, as well as students from the Richmond High School for the Arts. Participation has reportedly "exploded," according to the release, growing from two schools with only seven swimmers last year to five schools with 64 high school swimmers and 58 middle school ones. Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA) RPS' inclusion of middle schoolers sets it apart, according to the release, making it one of only two schools in the capital region to offer middle school swimming. In addition to competitive swimming, RPS and SwimRVA's "Learn-To-Swim" program offers 2nd-graders cost-free swimming lessons, aimed at ensuring they can swim 15 feet unassisted. This program has expanded to every school in Richmond's 7th district through SwimRVA-Church Hill, located at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club at 3701 R Street. Scam caller tries to defraud Chesterfield Police investigator, had son’s information Another form of programming open to high school students is "The Lifeguard School." According to the release, students at five partnered high schools can learn real-world work skills through this advanced PE curriculum. SwimRVA emphasized the importance of the Lifeguard School, as the city of Richmond has many recreational swimming opportunities: nine pools, seven outdoor seasonal pools and two indoor year-round facilities. Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA) Lifeguards can be as young as 15 years old and make a starting rate of $17 an hour, according to the release. "In the summer months alone a young person can make up to $10,000 working as a lifeguard in their neighborhood, with career advancement opportunities to become pool managers prior to leaving their high school years -- opening doors for a lifetime of opportunities in aquatics careers," SwimRVA said in the release. Adam Kennedy, the executive director of SwimRVA, said in the release that these investments are critical, as they make learning water safety more widespread and accessible. VUU alumnus designs Nike Yardrunners inspired by university "Together, we are making huge strides toward eradicating unintentional drownings and near-drownings by sustaining our pools with qualified staff through innovative school-based work readiness programming like the Lifeguard School," Kennedy said. Coupled with growth in varsity athletics and school-based learn-to-swim programs at the elementary level, we are creating a continuum of service to Richmonders that is opening doors for a lifetime of opportunity, safety and enjoyment around water for our residents."

Dec 20, 2024 - 04:00

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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time in over four decades, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is sponsoring a swimming program and launching a varsity swimming team.

In a Dec. 19 press release, SwimRVA announced that, through its partnership with the school division, RPS now has a swimming program -- after over 40 years without.

The new varsity swimming team's first meet is slated for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the SwimRVA-CSAC, located at 5050 Ridgedale Parkway. It will feature athletes from Armstrong, Huguenot, John Marshall, and Thomas Jefferson high schools, as well as students from the Richmond High School for the Arts.

Participation has reportedly "exploded," according to the release, growing from two schools with only seven swimmers last year to five schools with 64 high school swimmers and 58 middle school ones.

Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)

RPS' inclusion of middle schoolers sets it apart, according to the release, making it one of only two schools in the capital region to offer middle school swimming.

In addition to competitive swimming, RPS and SwimRVA's "Learn-To-Swim" program offers 2nd-graders cost-free swimming lessons, aimed at ensuring they can swim 15 feet unassisted. This program has expanded to every school in Richmond's 7th district through SwimRVA-Church Hill, located at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club at 3701 R Street.

Scam caller tries to defraud Chesterfield Police investigator, had son’s information

Another form of programming open to high school students is "The Lifeguard School." According to the release, students at five partnered high schools can learn real-world work skills through this advanced PE curriculum.

SwimRVA emphasized the importance of the Lifeguard School, as the city of Richmond has many recreational swimming opportunities: nine pools, seven outdoor seasonal pools and two indoor year-round facilities.

Richmond Public Schools will offer swimming programming for the first time in decades. (Photos: SwimRVA)

Lifeguards can be as young as 15 years old and make a starting rate of $17 an hour, according to the release.

"In the summer months alone a young person can make up to $10,000 working as a lifeguard in their neighborhood, with career advancement opportunities to become pool managers prior to leaving their high school years -- opening doors for a lifetime of opportunities in aquatics careers," SwimRVA said in the release.

Adam Kennedy, the executive director of SwimRVA, said in the release that these investments are critical, as they make learning water safety more widespread and accessible.

VUU alumnus designs Nike Yardrunners inspired by university

"Together, we are making huge strides toward eradicating unintentional drownings and near-drownings by sustaining our pools with qualified staff through innovative school-based work readiness programming like the Lifeguard School," Kennedy said. Coupled with growth in varsity athletics and school-based learn-to-swim programs at the elementary level, we are creating a continuum of service to Richmonders that is opening doors for a lifetime of opportunity, safety and enjoyment around water for our residents."