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Bronx school partners with Olympic medalists for water safety day

NEW YORK (PIX11) — As the weather warms up, water safety becomes even more important for Bronx children, especially those living near the Bronx River. This week, students at P.S. 66 learned just how vital a few simple skills can be in keeping them safe all summer long. More Lottery News Stacey Adams, assistant principal at P.S. 66, knows firsthand the risks the nearby river can pose. 'We've had many over the years, many individuals fall in. Some have unfortunately perished,' Adams shared. For her, the Bronx River is both a natural treasure and a source of concern for the school community. 'Swim safety is very important, especially with our proximity to the Bronx River,' she said. The Bronx River has seen decades of environmental challenges and community efforts to reclaim it as a safe, accessible green space for local residents. While the area around the river now features parks and places to play, Adams says the water can still be dangerous, especially for children who live nearby. That's why this year's International Water Safety Day event at P.S. 66 was so meaningful for its second graders. In partnership with Asphalt Green and USA Swimming, Olympic medalists Cullen Jones and Janelle Atkinson led a 45-minute water safety assembly for more than 500 students. 'This month becomes very depressing because I get text messages and messages on social about kids and adults drowning,' said Jones, who is passionate about swim safety education. The Olympians shared their expertise and excitement for swimming, teaching student's essential skills that could one day save lives. 'We do have an answer to drowning and that's swim lessons. A child is 88 percent safer around the water just by having swim lessons,' Jones explained. For Adams, the lessons went beyond just swimming, and her message to families is clear, 'Don't be scared to get your kids in the water, and get lessons because knowing how to swim is the difference between life and death.' For more information on swim lessons, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.