Senior Chloe Irving has organized swim and safety lessons for the local Windsor community right here in Hedges Pool.
Chloe has been swimming competitively for 10 years and is a four-year member of the Loomis Chaffee girls swimming & diving and water polo teams. She recognized a need for more swim and water safety education in the local community and wanted to create a program to empower children to feel safe around the water. “I was inspired by the Wayland High School program,” explained Chloe. “They have a similar need in their community and found a way to reach out and help.”
Chloe has partnered with the principals at Oliver Ellsworth School and Poquonock School, both elementary schools in Windsor. Thirty children aged 4-8 years signed up from the two schools.
Participants come to the Loomis pool in two half-hour shifts once a week. Each child is paired with a Loomis swimmer who not only teaches him or her how to swim, but also shares water safety strategies. The Loomis students serve as mentors to the Windsor students and provide guidance that can reach beyond the pool.
“As athletes we don’t have a lot of time to do community service,” said Chloe, “but this program will allow athletes to use their skills to help the Windsor elementary school students.”
Chloe and the other Loomis swimmers started their first lesson on October 2 and will continue each Sunday through November 13. The group will reconvene after the winter swim season.