Dave Tonnesen elected to U.S. Swim School Association BOD

Congratulations to SwimKids owner, Dave Tonnesen, who was elected to the United States Swim School Association Board of Directors. The election was held October 16 at the USSSA Annual Conference in San Diego, CA. Dave is now part of elite group of business owners who guide swim school owners from all over the United States. Congratulations again on this outstanding achievement!

SwimKids receives donation for Special Needs

SwimKids extends its heartfelt thanks to Marilyn Kelly, her family, friends, and the Montclair Seahawks Swim Team for its donation of $900 to the SwimKids Special Needs program. Coach Kelly retired this past August after 35 years of coaching the Montclair Seahawks summer league swim team in Prince William County. The team wanted to give Coach Kelly a gift that keeps on giving and donated $900 to SwimKids for its Special Needs program. SwimKids is matching the donation and plans to begin a scholarship program, the Marilyn Kelly Fund, for underprivileged Special Needs children. Pay it forward!

SWIMKIDS SWIM SCHOOL SUPPORTS NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH RESEARCH

Recent Study Confirms Swim Lessons Have Protective Effect against Drowning

WOODBRIDGE, VA, March 6, 2009 - SwimKids Swim School announces its support on research announced earlier this week by the National Institute of Health. The study states that providing young children with swimming lessons has a protective effect against drowning and allays concerns that lessons could increase risk by reducing parental supervision and vigilance.

"We are so pleased that there is finally a study showing the positive correlation of swimming lessons and drowning prevention," said Dave Tonnesen, owner of SwimKids Swim Schools of Lake Ridge, Manassas, Woodbridge, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. "Learning to swim is such an important part of every child's upbringing and education, not only for fun and fitness, but because it can potentially save their life."

The study concludes that participating in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in children between the ages of 1 to 4. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009; 163(3):203-210)

"For years, parents have told us stories about how their child's involvement in swimming has helped save their life," said Tonnesen. "As coaches, we have known intuitively that swim instruction is huge part of preventing tragedy in and around the water. Rivers, lakes, and swimming pools are a part of everyone's lives. Swim instruction, along with barrier protection and appropriate supervision, is the key."

The research, completed under the direction of Duane Alexander, M.D., director at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, states the findings should ease concerns that swim lessons may lead to parental inattention. The study contradicts a previous statement made by the American Academy of Pediatrics and supports the viewpoint of SwimKids Swim School and other swim schools across the country. Swimming lessons are considered an appropriate part of a comprehensive drowning prevention strategy that should also include pool fencing, adult supervision and CPR training. The findings appear in the March Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Health. For the full press release from the National Institute of Health, please visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/030209-Drowning-Risk.cfm.

About SwimKids Swim School
SwimKids Swim School, which opened in 1997, teaches swimming lessons at 6 northern Virginia locations for ages six months to adult. Lessons are offered year-round with small class sizes with the goal of helping each child develop self-esteem, confidence, and a love for swimming, while teaching them to become water-safe. Certified swim instructors use positive reinforcement and simple steps that break down swim strokes into an easy-to-learn progression.

Dave Tonnesen, owner of SwimKids Swim School, has been an aquatics professional for over 20 years, coaching everything from SwimBabies to U.S. Olympic Trials. Former Potomac News Coach of the Year, Coach Tonnesen has coached numerous area swim teams and was awarded a commendation from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors for his work as Head Coach of the Prince William County Special Olympics Swim Team. For further information on SwimKids Swim School or to enroll your child in lessons, please call (703)396-SWIM / (540)446-KIDS.

SwimKids Builds New Swim School in Gainesville, VA

Click here for registration information!

SwimKids is excited to announce that construction of its new swim school is underway! This state of the art swim school is scheduled to open this summer of 2010 in Gainesville, VA, just behind the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center at the intersection of Wellington Rd and Limestone Drive.

The 6000 square foot facility has an innovative and customized design for teaching kids and making families welcome. Special features of the swimming pool include a built-in tot dock for babies, several teaching areas for children, shallow depths from 2 1/2 - 4 feet so kids of all ages can touch the bottom, and warm 88 degree water year-round! Armed with the latest technology, the pool features a UV (ultraviolet) disinfection system, in addition to the traditional chlorine, and a chemical controller so that the pool can be maintained over the internet ... how cool is that?

Parents and families of swimmers will be comfortable in the temperature controlled viewing area, complete with comfortable chairs, tables, wifi internet, and a children's area with toys for the siblings. 12 foot glass walls encapsulate the pool, so a good view of ongoing classes is to be found throughout the facility.

For maps and directions to the new swim school location, click here!

SwimKids will continue to operate its 6 other locations at Westminster at Lake Ridge, Port Potomac, Woodbridge Sport & Health, Eagles Nest in Manassas, Lake Terrapin (new this summer), Gold's Gym in Fredericksburg, and the Regional Office and Swim Store.

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