04/25/2026
On April 13th, members of the Suffolk (VA) chapter of the Links conducted our Swim Like a Fish program at Southwestern Elementary School in Suffolk, Virginia. Over 200 children attended to learn about swim safety, swimming tips to prevent drowning, and to hear from 2 swimmers and the Coach of the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins (CGBD) Swim team. The Suffolk chapter has developed a swim safety video in conjunction with the swim team, which was presented to the children to ensure they have basic knowledge of how to stay safe in the water. The 2 swimmers in attendance described their experiences as competitive swimmers and explained how swimming can lead to fun, enjoyable activities, such as scuba diving, and to careers in fields like marine biology. Each participating child received a swim safety activity book that mirrors the video. The children were very engaged and asked some great questions. To date, the Suffolk Chapter has educated over 700 elementary children and also provided swim lessons to 260 children in our service area. #
