LH board should keep swimming pool open
I am very concerned with the possibility of Laurel Highlands School Board closing its high school pool and terminating the aquatics program and possibly the future swim teams.
As a certified diabetes educator, I see first hand the devastating effects poor diet and lack of exercise has on our community.
School board members are able to positively impact not only the student’s lives, but their families and our community as well. Education and academic achievement are directly linked to health outcomes and quality of life. In addition lifelong habits are often developed in childhood. As a result, educators are a key partner in improving the long-term health of our community.
Unfortunately, our county ranks 66 out of 67 in healthy behaviors, Philadelphia being the worst. Thirty-four percent of our children live in poverty as compared to the national average of 11 percent. Childhood obesity has tripled in the past 20 years and is now considered epidemic.
Swimming is the second most popular sport activity in the United States and a great way to get regular physical activity. Swimmers have about half the risk of death compared to inactive people. Also, people report enjoying exercise in a pool more than exercise on land.
It is of utmost importance that people learn to swim. Drowning is the number two cause of death in the pediatric population. Everyday 10 people in the U.S. drown. Participation in formal swim lessens can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent, according to the CDC.
The decision regarding the future of the Laurel Highlands pool will have huge ramifications on our students’, families’ and community’s health and welfare.
By closing the pool we could adversely effect a generation of our children, and possibly future generations. Swimming is a very important life skill. Not only does it teach water safety, but also it is highly effective at preventing childhood obesity. Fayette County provides ample opportunity to enjoy swimming, with lakes, rivers, and swimming pools.
Anyone raising children today knows first hand how difficult it is to keep them active. Computers, video games, TV, and the Internet lure kids with sedentary entertainment. And the cost of that is their health.
It would be short sighted for any school district in the United States to close a pool given the health of our children in our society.
Please consider the health of our children and community when you make your decision. With increasing rates of diabetes, we must provide our students activities like swimming that can be enjoyed throughout life.
Laurel Highlands has made stride with its wellness program. Please keep a progressive, proactive attitude and keep the pool open. Can we really put a price on the health and welfare of our children?
Judy Siebart is a resident of Uniontown.