Dayton's Friends of the Pool , Y provide swim safety to kids

DAYTON - The Friends of the Pool Committee in Dayton promotes and raises funds to ensure kids in the community get swimming lessons. Many Columbia County kids are at risk without access to swimming and water safety lessons since the Dayton Pool closed in 2018.

"We have worked with the new school administration here in Dayton, resulting in Dayton school kids in grades 1 and 2 having been bussed to the Walla Walla YMCA in the last few weeks," said Chairperson Fred Crowe. "It was very successful, and full credit to the schools and the YMCA for putting it all together.  We hope to expand the opportunities next school year."

The Friends of the Pool Committee outlined a long-term project for three or more years to provide swim lessons for school-age kids until a new community pool is opened. The program will also train older students and adults in lifesaving and teaching skills for those interested in working at the pool when it is completed.