Everybody Into The Pool!-3/18/2025

IRON MOUNTAIN – Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center’s annual third grade swim
program is underway with nearly 375 children expected to participate throughout the next few
weeks.
According to the CDC, about one in five people who die from drowning are children, and for
every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for
nonfatal submersion injuries. Research indicates the participation in formal swimming lessons
can reduce the risk of drowning among children.
The YMCA, with the support of Marshfield Medical Center Dickinson Center, is out to reduce the
risk by offering free swimming lessons to every third grader in the county!
“Living in a region of lakes and rivers, water safety is always a top concern. We believe strongly
in teaching our children how to swim and third grade is an ideal age to have these kids
participate in the program,” YMCA Aquatics Director Anna Briseno states. “They have both the
mental and physical capacity to learn in a large group setting.”
Each class of third graders receive five 40-minute lessons as part of the swim program. The
program begins in February and wraps up the middle of March. In addition to the swimming
lessons, the kids are introduced to boat safety, correct life jacket fit, proper water attire as well
as sun and heat safety.
Participating schools include: Woodland Elementary School in Kingsford, North Elementary
School in Iron Mountain, Norway Elementary School, Bishop Baraga Catholic School in Iron
Mountain, Holy Spirit Catholic School in Norway, North Dickinson School in Felch, Niagara
Schools in Niagara, WI, and Florence Elementary in Florence, WI. This year also included are
Homeschooled children from the community.
“This is why we are here, supporting and delivering on the Mission of the YMCA,” Executive
Director Jonathan Ringel noted. “As we continue to grow, these are the types of programs we
hope to be able to bring to the area. Our YMCA, along with the support of Marshfield Medical
Center, can and will be whatever our community desires and supports! We’re really happy to
make it happen.”
YMCA Annual Campaign dollars and partnerships like Marshfield Medical Center help provide
programming and membership assistance to hundreds in the community. Donations to the
YMCA Annual Campaign can be made by calling 906.774.4076 or online at
www.nlymca.com/dickinson.