Getty lauds community commitment to water safety, swim instruction
McHenry, MD – Gail Getty’s role in helping to launch the I Can Swim! program was recognized last Wednesday as the primary I Can Swim! classroom was named in her honor.
“Gail was the first swimming instructor and developed our I Can Swim! curriculum,” noted Janet Kepple, representing the Garrett College Foundation at the dedication ceremony. “The I Can Swim! program has been drown-proofing our county’s students for 14 years. Gail has helped make I Can Swim! what it is today, and we’re thrilled to be recognizing those contributions today.”
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, also praised Getty while highlighting the achievements of I Can Swim!, which provides swim lessons and water safety education to each of the county’s kindergarteners.
“Many of the programs housed on our campus have a positive impact,” observed Midcap. “Some of the best help to improve lives. Not many can claim to save lives.
“I Can Swim! has undoubtedly saved lives,” Midcap continued. “And no one has been more important to planning, launching, and implementing this program than Gail Getty.”
“I feel so honored to have this classroom named for me,” said Getty. “I never imagined that anything like this would ever happen.”
Getty said she enjoyed her role in launching and sustaining the I Can Swim! program.
“Teaching the kindergarteners all about water safety and providing them with swimming lessons has been a joy for me,” she said. “I appreciate the way our community has fostered an environment where children can learn to be safe around the water and learn to swim.”
An anonymous donor who was familiar with the I Can Swim! program’s history provided the naming gift for the space, officially known as the Gail Getty Conference Room.
“I’m grateful for our anonymous donor, whose generosity honors Gail’s many contributions to I Can Swim while also providing much-appreciated funding to support the program,” said Midcap.