Burlington fourth graders are learning to swim during the school day

Fourth graders in Burlington are learning to swim during the school day, in a program officials say is the first of its kind in Vermont, WCAX reported on October 20, 2026. All six elementary schools send classes to the YMCA twice a week for 90 minutes, for three weeks. The lessons follow the YMCA's Safety Around Water program. Each class is split by skill. Everyone is working toward the same basics: going under and coming up, a back float, and a front paddle. The aim beyond that is the deep-end test, which the district would like to make a graduation requirement later.

The children described the change in their own skills. Yusuf said he could not swim before and now he can. Prayas said the class could swim like experts, named strokes they had practiced, and talked about practicing how to help someone else in the water. Jacqueline said she did not need an adult that day and was no longer scared of deep water. Superintendent Tom Flanagan said the trips do not take a large share of academic time. Jess Lukas of the YMCA said students also learn pool rules, what a lifeguard does, and when to stay away from the water if no lifeguard or adult is there.