Pool should be open for student use

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Keeping the pool open allows students to learn skills they might not learn otherwise.

The tragic death of seventh grader Abdullahi Charif, which occurred at the Middle School swimming pool last February, leaves many questioning whether or not the swimming instruction should exist. However, closing the pool is not the solution. Creating a better organized and efficient swimming program is.

Minnesota does not require students take a swim course because many schools lack pool access. Since St. Louis Park is lucky enough to have pool facilities, it should put the pool to use.

Students should learn swimming because it is a life-saving skill. In order to do so, proper provisions need to be set into place to ensure safety. The course should no longer involve games and instead focus on teaching the basics of swimming. This will allow for more time for personalized instruction.

By testing students on their swimming proficiency, appropriate  classes can be formed. For example one could have students who swim well and one with students who need extra help. These separations allow for a smaller teacher-student ratio in the pool. With a smaller teacher-student ratio in the pool, chaos can be avoided.

This teacher-student ratio should be lower than the rule established of a ratio of one to 20.

A pool-related tragedy should be incentive for teaching students how to swim, instead of being a reason to keep them out of the water. Students should be aware of this as discussions continue over the future use of the pool.

Students should petition the administration to  provide this opportunity to learn an important life skill for free that may not be available otherwise.