ROCHESTER — The unexpected closing of two pools in Rochester has led to growing concerns about teaching youth to swim. “If you wanted to learn how to swim, you couldn’t because there is no more pool ...

Reading, writing, and arithmetic are considered the important academic building blocks in one’s formative years. Swimming lessons are not essential – at least not in most schools. They should be.

As a pediatrician, I've counseled countless families about the importance of swim safety. But as a mom, I've lived it, from the nervous first splashes to the proud, cannonball "I did it!" moments.