Providence Community Health Centers is teaming up with Pods Swimming in East Providence to provide free swimming and water safety classes, courtesy of a grant from USA Swimming. The lessons are for PCHC patients ages 6 months to 12 years old.
Video description
This opportunity was made possible through a grant from the US Swimming Foundation and a partnership between Providence Community Health Centers (PCHC) and Pods Swimming.
Susan Pasquella, the owner of Pods Swimming, explains that the program’s primary goal is to help children develop essential skills such as breath control and proper body positioning in the water. Even within a short timeframe—just four classes per session—the program aims to make children feel familiar and comfortable in an aquatic environment, especially those who might initially feel fearful.
The importance of this mission is underscored by a poignant story shared by Susan about a parent who lost a child to drowning. This experience reinforces the program’s commitment to ensuring that every child has the chance to learn how to swim. By the end of the lessons, participants gain foundational experience in blowing bubbles, floating, and submerging their faces and ears, which helps them become confident rather than frightened in the water.
The program concludes with a sense of accomplishment, celebrating the vital service provided to the youth of Providence to prevent future tragedies and promote lifelong water safety.
Scope of the training
In these classes, children will learn the elementary backstroke, how to float, and other valuable water safety skills. Classes are held every Tuesday. There are two four-week sessions of classes, to be held in July and August.
The first session takes place on the following Tuesdays — July 6, 13, 20, 27. The second session takes place on the following Tuesdays — August, 3, 10, 17, 24.
Classes take place at the following times:
- Noon-12:30 pm: two classes for ages 6 months to 3 years old
- 12:30 pm-1 pm: one class for ages 3-5 years old; one class for ages 6-9 years old
- 1 pm-1:30 pm: one class for ages 10-12 years old
Participants must provide their own transportation. Pods Swimming is located at 111 Commercial Way in East Providence. There are a limited number of slots available. Flyers will be distributed to our health center sites to be shared with interested families. If you are one of our patients, please ask for more information at the front desk of your health center!