[412-public-news] Fwd: This summers’s manifesto on scaling swimming

[Mark Rauterkus]

Hi All,

We've had some great summers -- pre-pandemic. Often, I played a big role in
teaching 200+ kids how to swim.

Swimming on hot days is joyful, but more rewarding is the sense of
accomplishment. Swimming is more than free time at the pool.  Skill
development and its transformation boost is magical. The listening and
following instructions forges a pathway of willingness to try new things.
Reading, writing, tech literacy are woven within our swim camp experiences
too.

I've encouraged the kids to go home and tell their moms that the old rules
of "no swimming in the deep end" do not apply -- after triumphantly passing
deep-water-swim tests.

Teaching 200+ kids takes a village of cooperation and system-wide support
from lifeguards, staffing, access to students and open, nearby pools.

The big picture's #1 outcome worth teaching and practicing is PLAYING WELL
WITH OTHERS. Kids are starving for these opportunities in today's society,
sadly.

This summer, rathan than 200+, I'm expecting to teach dozens of kids how to
swim since I'm slated to return to a country club where many have already
taken some swim lessons. But wait. There is more.

New visions and plans are getting put into place so SCALE and grow aquatic
participation. This game-changing, flip-the-switch manifesto that jumps
beyond a few dozen, beyond 200+ and impacts more than 2,000 in our area is
ready to share. Plus, once the plans go nationwide, the numbers continue to
rise.

Sure, Goldfish, British Swim School, Ys and even some universities are
doing some wonderful things in teaching swimming. Swim clubs, city rec
departments, whatever -- are fine. This is different.

Reaching thousands can happen because of the new tools and key allies we've
been crafting. This blueprint has some elements already in place. I want to
share these insights and have you see and critique this for yourself this
week.

Sign-up links for in-person meetings for Thursday, April 27, 2023:

+ 10 am to noon at UPMC Community Engagement Center on Penn Ave in
Pittsburgh's East End (near Bakery Center / Ellis School)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/617845481467

2 to 4 pm at Montour Heights Country Club:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/617853344987

RSVP on the form.

Peek at some of the plans at https://ISCA.blue.


--
Ta.


Mark Rauterkus       Mark at Rauterkus.com
Webmaster, International Swim Coaches Association, SwimISCA.org
Executive Director of SKWIM USA, a 501(c)(3), SKWIM.us
Coach at The Ellis School for Varsity & Middle School Swimming
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team & Renegades (Masters)
Sports Complex Director & Coach at Montour Heights Country Club

412 298 3432 = cell

New course: Mental Skills for Young Athletes
<https://Read.SwimISCA.org/why/mental-skills-for-young-athletes>
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