As a third-grade teacher at Reeths-Puffer Elementary, Emily Hildebrant has guided her students through the Muskegon YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program for the past four years. She’s also experienced it as a parent—both of her sons have completed the program. That dual perspective has made her an enthusiastic advocate for what the program offers.

“Over the years, I have seen so many students gain confidence and comfort around water,” Emily says. “Kids have found strength and bravery within themselves that they might not have realized they had before.”

She’s seen SAW make a difference not just in skill development, but in self-esteem. For students who struggle in the classroom, it can be a rare moment to shine.

Emily believes water safety is essential—especially in West Michigan, where the Great Lakes and rivers are part of everyday life.

“Living near water, it is crucial for our community members to understand water safety. So many people don’t realize what a magnificent beast Lake Michigan is!”

That’s why she believes third grade is the perfect time for students to participate in the program. Kids are old enough to understand the importance of safety, but still open to trying new things—before fear or self-consciousness gets in the way.

“It is also important to do this before students get ‘too’ old and become increasingly self-conscious and/or ‘too cool’ to try new things and reveal fears or weaknesses.”

For Emily, the importance of learning to swim and respect the water has been passed down through generations. Her grandmother didn’t learn to swim until she was 50 years old, but made sure her kids and grandkids grew up confident in the water.

That belief in the power of water safety has only grown stronger through the stories she’s witnessed over the years. One in particular still gives her goosebumps.

“One of my third graders two years ago was TERRIFIED to jump in the deep end. She had a lifejacket on, but her whole body was shaking from fear. It took a lot of gentle coaxing, but she jumped in! When her head popped up, she had the HUGEST smile on her face and she shouted, ‘I did it! I conquered my fears!’”

Even as someone who’s been in the water all her life, Emily says she continues to learn new things each year through the program.

“I had no idea what to do if I fell through ice, and I do now! I knew about the red, yellow, and green flags at the beach, but didn’t know there were also purple flags.”

The SAW program teaches more than swimming—it gives kids the tools to make smart decisions and stay safe in and around water.

“It isn’t just about ‘swim’ lessons, but about different aspects of water safety.”

When asked what she would say to other schools or educators considering the program, Emily’s answer is simple:

“Do it! It is such an important life skill for all kids to experience, but especially with us living so close to water, it is truly necessary.”

Even when scheduling was a challenge this year due to limited pool access, she and the YMCA staff worked together to make sure the program continued for her students.

“Andi Switzer and I sent many, many emails back and forth working out the logistics because it is so important to keep this going every year for all of these kids!”

We’re incredibly grateful for educators like Emily who go above and beyond to bring life-saving lessons to their students—lessons that build courage, confidence, and safety.