PORT TOWNSEND– The Port Townsend City Council has approved seed money for a scholarship program that will provide swimming lessons to children.
“It’s important that kids who live here learn to swim because we are surrounded by water on three sides,” said Parks and Recreation manager Jeremy Bubnick.
“But a lot of parents don’t have the financial resources to pay for lessons.”
The Port Townsend City Council approved an allocation of $1,000 on Monday night.
The money will pay for two lessons for 10 children, and will provide a place to start with regard to aquatic training, Bubnick said.
This is essentially a drop in the bucket, but will prime the pump for the program.
“We have quite a few people who are ready to make contributions to this,” Bubnick said.
“They were just waiting for the program to get started.”
City money won’t come in until next year, but the program will start immediately.
Bubnick said that donor support will fund the program until the city money comes in.
The program will operate year-round.
Applications for the program are now being taken at the pool, 1925 Blaine St.
Those who wish to support the program can drop contributions off at the pool or send them by mail.
Bubnick will review all the applications and award them to those qualified by virtue of family income on a first come-first served basis.
For more information, phone 360-379-5005.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
