Camp offers swim safety lessons at area beaches

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Lowcountry Swim School traded in the pool for the beach this weekend, ensuring children know how to safely swim and enjoy the ocean.

As part of its fourth annual camp for children aged five and older, the Lowcountry Swim School is teaching ocean and beach safety skills on Isle of Palms and educating them on sunscreen, hydration, marine life, and coastal conservation.

Wendy Cox, CEO of the Lowcountry Swim School, said it is important for everyone, including visitors, to know how to stay safe at the beach.

“We’re surrounded by bodies of water. Whether it’s a pool, whether it’s a lake, or it’s a pond. Now, it’s the ocean. If you come to the ocean, do you know exactly what to do if you are pulled out into a current … it’s just better to understand and teach our community, especially our littles so they understand what to do and what not to do,” said Cox.

Tina Matthews’ grandson is a participant in the camp and a swim school student. She enrolled him with hops of the child knowing what to do in any situation near the water.

“Basically before, we were worried if he fell into the five-foot deep, he wouldn’t know what to do. So, he’s learned how to tread water and get to the side. Being at the beach, he needs to realize when he sees a rip current and just the dangers out there. It’s not all fun and play, you’ve got to really be cautious when you’re out here,” said Matthews.

Lifeguards are assigned to small groups of children. Cox says it’s been an effective method for younger children.

“If they know how to do it now, by the time they get older, they know exactly what to do. It doesn’t matter what age you are; even professional swimmers can drown as well, but educating them at this time in their life is extremely important,” Cox said.

Organizers said they are planning to host another camp on Folly Beach.