The RISE Together Swim Program has concluded its first year with a very successful series of summer lessons. Under the attentive eye of YMCA instructors and lifeguards, the lessons took place at Boise’s Arbor Crossing, Quail Park, and Mt. Vernon apartment complexes. Lessons were available to refugee and non-refugee children alike and served 119 students, making those children safer in and around water.

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Summer RISE students proudly display their certificate of achievement on graduation day!
Photo: Madeline Scott/IRC

RISE Together was begun as a pilot program shortly after a teenage refugee drowned in Quinn’s Pond last summer. Since then, it has expanded into a year-round program with fall lessons at the downtown branch of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA and spring lessons at their West Ada facility, in addition to the summer schedule. 

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A swimmer practices floating under the watchful eye of a YMCA swim instructor.
Photo: Madeline Scott/IRC

The IRC in Boise would like to thank the Treasure Valley Family YMCA, the management of Arbor Crossing, Quail Park, and Mt. Vernon, as well as the generous donors who make these lessons possible.  Next year’s RISE Together summer program will kick-off in June of 2019. 

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RISE students practicing their skills at Arbor Crossing.
Photo: Madeline Scott/IRC