It’s Time To Teach Water Safety In Our High Schools
Back in 1975 when it was pretty obvious that Toms River needed a third high school voters in the district turned down the initial building referendum for High School East which included an indoor swimming pool. A year or so later a revised referendum without the pool and much more passed and the school opened its doors to students in September of 1979.
Even at that time I thought it was a shame that a swimming pool that all three schools could use was not coming to Toms River. I’ve always felt that living as close to the shore as we do requires all high school students have some ability to swim and understand the power and strength of the ocean.
Almost fifty years later a pair of local educators and ocean lifeguards feel very strongly about the issue and along with a member of the state legislature are pushing for passage of a bill that would require water safety be added to the physical education curriculum. Bill A618 is sponsored by local Assemblyman Sean Kean along with Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz.
Brian Keelan and Phillip Mazzetta taught history together at Lacey Township High School before Mazzetta left to become vice principal at Donovan Catholic. Keelan, who is the Lions swim coach, is lifeguard captain in Normandy Beach while Mazzetta serves as Lieutenant. Not only have they been pushing for passage of the bill but have offered to help write the curriculum and regularly stay in touch with Kean’s office. Provisions include instruction on the proper use of flotation devices, understanding water conditions, the danger of rip currents and what to do if you’re caught in one and the importance of swimming by lifeguards.
The bill is expected to go to the assembly floor next month and if passed would then head to the senate for approval. There is an online petition that you can sign to support this measure which should be a no-brainer especially with the drownings we have had in recent years. Open the link below to sign and support.
Petition · Help Prevent Drowning: Require Water Safety Education in NJ Schools · Change.org
