Rose State Students Host Kindergarteners at Wee Water Wahoo Published May 3, 2017 by Tamara Pratt

Rose State College’s Aquatic Center was alive with laughs, screams and lots of splashing, as children tested out their new water skills in the pool on Friday, April 28^th, for the Safe Kids Wee Water Wahoo program.

The water safety education event brought out hundreds of kindergarteners from schools across the metro to learn how to float, blow bubbles, move their arms and legs and how to put their face in the water without being afraid.

“The goal is to teach young children some basic water safety that they can take home and share with their family and friends,” said Kim Queri, director of Rose State College’s Aquatic Center.

The hour long event included a pre-pool briefing for the children on water safety, then it was time to don the swimsuits and life vests.

Close to a 100 volunteers were on hand to ensure the safety of those attending. Volunteers included many Rose State students including members of the RSC Swim club, Men’s Soccer team, Health and Sports Science majors, Rose State Aquatic Center Lifeguards, and the Mid-Del High School Swim team.

The volunteers had the unique opportunity of watching many of the children experience getting into a pool for the first time. “The children’s reactions often range from being scared to pure excitement,” says Queri. “While some children are ready to jump right in, others have to be coaxed to join the fun.”

Safe Kids Oklahoma reports that each year, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 2-14 in Oklahoma.

Rose State Aquatics will also participate as a community member in this May’s Wacky Water Wahoo water safety education event taking place at White Water Bay for 5^th graders