Pioneer Center hosts iCan Swim Camp to teach water safety skills

ROSS COUNTY – The Pioneer Center recently hosted iCan Swim Camp at the YMCA of Ross County. The program, managed by iCan Shine, teaches individuals with disabilities ages three and up water safety skills.

“Individuals with certain disabilities have an increased risk of drowning,” said Superintendent of the Pioneer Center, Amy Beeler. “Providing swim classes for children with disabilities isn’t just about teaching them how to swim, but building confidence and strength."

The week-long camp featured small class sizes, individualized instruction and one-on-one swimming buddies for each participant. The camp was sponsored by the Pioneer Center and was free for participants. Pioneer Center also provided take-home water safety tools such as floatation noodles and life jackets. Thirty swimmers participated in iCan Swim Camp this year.

“The camp fills up very quickly,” said Trish Wallace, Community Inclusion Coordinator at the Pioneer Center. “We are grateful that our board and the community continue to see the value in providing this camp to children with disabilities in Ross County”.

The Pioneer Center, otherwise known as Ross County Board of DD (RCBDD), exists for the purpose of improving the quality of life for citizens who have a developmental disability. RCBDD is committed to providing quality services that give individuals and their families choices that enhance community participation and achieve a life of increasing capabilities.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Participants learn safety skills at Pioneer Center's iCan Swim Camp