05/09/2026
Kevin Pierce and Samantha Snow from Ridley High School are proud to share the launch of the Water Safety Rules Program at Ridley High School.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Ridley Educational Foundation, this program was created through the efforts of Sam Snow, Ridley Athletic Director, and Kevin Pierce, Varsity Swim Coach. The goal was clear from the start: give our students the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to stay safe in and around the water.
This week marked an exciting milestone as the 2nd graders from Eddystone became the first group to participate.
Throughout the program, students built a strong foundation in water safety. They learned the importance of pool rules and making safe choices, practiced proper ways to enter and exit the water, and gained a clear understanding of how to recognize unsafe situations.
Students also focused on what to do if they unexpectedly fall into the water. They practiced staying calm, turning their bodies, and quickly finding the wall, reinforcing the idea that the wall is their safe place.
One of the most important skills they developed was learning how to float to survive. By practicing back floating and controlling their breathing, students gained confidence in their ability to stay safe if they ever feel tired or unsure in the water.
The program also introduced basic rescue concepts, emphasizing the message: reach or throw, don’t go. Students learned how to help others safely without putting themselves in danger, while also understanding the importance of calling for help.
By the end of the week, students rotated through different stations that reinforced everything they had learned, from finding the wall, to floating, to calling for help, to helping a friend safely. It was incredible to see their growth in both confidence and awareness in such a short time.
To celebrate their hard work and growth, we hosted a pizza party after the final session, giving our students a chance to celebrate their accomplishments together.
A special shout out to the Peer Mentors at Ridley High School for serving as the instructors throughout the week. Their willingness to get in the water, connect with the students, and lead by example made this program possible. Their leadership and energy were felt in every lesson.
This is just the beginning. We are excited to continue growing the Water Safety Rules Program and expanding its impact across the Ridley School District. 💚
