Keep swim centers open

An article in a recent Independent Mail stated once again the possibility of the swim centers being closed. This was discussed a few years back and, thankfully, the centers remained open. This was, in my opinion, a favorable outcome.

Why would a governing body eliminate a place where our children are taught to swim and to respect the water, in order to buy furniture for a facility that most of those children will never see? Living in an area that abounds with lakes and other bodies of water that beckon kids to try their skill at swimming or boating or even wading, it is imperative that they know how to swim. The opportunity to learn to keep safe in and around the water is offered at the swim centers.

While money is always an issue, it is our responsibility to use what funding we have to benefit our youth. Comfortable furniture in the Broadway Lake facility, even though on a picturesque lake, will not be to the advantage of the majority of our children.

Swimming lessons will close the barn door before, not after, a tragedy takes place.

Roberta Sickler, Anderson