Swim for Sadie: Free Swim Lessons for K - 2
Swim for Sadie is a new swim lesson program for Harrisonburg City Public Schools students in grades K – 2. These swim lessons are completely free of charge: The program is funded by the Swim for Sadie Memorial Fund, created in honor of Sadie Cate Deeble.
Registration
Registration will take place online at WebTrac on August 10 at 7:00am
Registration will be on a first come, first served basis and for students attending Harrisonburg City Public Schools.
Eligible participants can register for one (1) Swim for Sadie session per season.
Please note: Signing up for a swim level that does not closely match your child’s skill set could result in removal from the class. Our goal is to ensure that the learning environment is as safe as possible for all students, and that our swim instructors can deliver the most effective lessons.
- Swim Level 1: Information & Session Dates
Level 1 is for non-swimming kids who will work toward mastering fundamental water safety, floating, moving in chest-deep water, and basic swimming.
If your child is ready for Level 1, they would exhibit the following skills:- Enters the water
- Blows bubbles (mouth in the water)
- Swims forward, face down (1-2 body lengths)
- Has little-to-no arm or leg movements in the water
- Or, none of the above
Activity Number Days Dates Times #311111E1 Monday - Thursday June 15 - June 25 5:00pm - 5:30pm #311111E2 Monday - Thursday June 29 - July 9 5:45pm - 6:15pm #311111E3 Monday - Thursday July 13 - July 23 6:30pm - 7:00pm #311111F1 Monday - Thursday July 27 - August 6 5:00pm - 5:30pm #311111F2 Monday and Wednesday June 15 - July 8 5:45pm - 6:15pm #311111F3 Monday and Wednesday June 15 - July 8 6:30pm - 7:00pm
- Swim Level 2 Information & Session Dates
Level 2 is for swimming kids who are comfortable in the water. Students will work toward mastering front crawl, back crawl, and floating. They will build more confidence in the water and learn water safety skills.
If your child is ready for level 2, they would exhibit the following skills:- Blows bubbles (full face in the water)
- Swims forward, face down (10 - 20 feet)
- Some alternating arm movements (front crawl)
- Some alternating leg movements (flutter kick)
- Some ability to float on back (5 - 10 seconds)
No sessions offered for Fall of 2026
- Swim Level 3 Information & Session Dates
Level 3 is for kids who can already swim the length of the pool and want to learn more. Students will hone their techniques for front and back crawl, build endurance, and get an introduction to breaststroke, treading water, and personal water safety.
If your child is ready for Level 3, they would exhibit the following skills:- Blows bubbles (completely submerged underwater)
- Swims forward, face down (30+ feet)
- Coordinated alternating arm movements (front crawl)
- Coordinated alternating leg movements (flutter kick)
- Some ability to tread in place (5 - 10 seconds)
No sessions offered for Fall of 2026.
“Swim for Sadie” Honors Sadie Cate Deeble
Sadie Cate Deeble epitomized the saying that “good things come in small packages.” Although small in stature, her presence was huge. Sadie had a smile for everyone, had boundless energy, and found joy in everything that she did. Swimming was a significant part of Sadie’s life. She was a cheerleader, a consoler, a ringleader, a storyteller, and anything else her teammates and friends needed.
On October 25, 2022, Sadie passed away from sudden cardiac arrest. With her passing, her family and our community lost a precious light. The Swim for Sadie Memorial Fund was created from donations made by family and friends, in the hopes that Sadie’s memory will continue to bring her sunshine to our community.
The Swim for Sadie Program will provide free swim lessons for any Harrisonburg Public Schools students in grades kindergarten through second. We hope that other children will discover a love of swimming, make friends, and have fun, all while learning a skill that will help keep them healthy and safe. This is one way that Sadie’s light can continue to shine.