Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with the Austin Independent School District for Project Safe, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining paid or free swim lessons during the summer months when AISD is not in session. Funding: This item does not have a fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Parks and Recreation Department.
Fiscal Note
This item does not have a fiscal impact.
For More Information:
Lucas Massie, Assistant Director, (512-974-6772), Ashley Wells, Division Manager (512-974- 9343), Tim Dombeck, Business Process Specialist, (512) 974-6716.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
March 24, 2025 - This item was recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board on a 6-0 vote with one vacancy, one abstention, and three absences. Recommendation No. 20250324-003.
Additional Backup Information:
Recognizing the importance of education and improving the skills of Austin’s children, the City supports Athletics/Physical Education classes at select AISD elementary schools. The purpose of this agreement is for the Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department) Aquatics Division to provide Project S.A.F.E. (Swimming and Fitness Education), a two-week-long, learn- to-swim session offered to first grade students during the school year and during the summer months to students who will be in the first grade the following academic year and who are in close proximity to a City-operated aquatic facility. Each day, participants will get an opportunity to engage in curricula approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is the City’s goal that participation in the program leads to greater water safety practices among the participants. Additionally, registration information will be provided to those students who wish to continue their learning with the Department’s programs.
In support of this program, AISD will:
• Provide teachers that will remain on site to facilitate rotations between stations.
• Schedule transportation to and from the pool facility.
• Provide lunches to the students in the S.A.F.E. program when necessary.
• Recruit students to participate in the S.A.F.E. program.
• Facilitate the completion and collection of the PARD Waiver (see Attachment A) for each student before the start of the program. Signed waivers will then be given to PARD on the first day of the program.
The City of Austin will:
• Allow the exclusive use of specified City pools during the fall, spring, and summer months.
• Fund student transportation from the participating school(s) to and from the assigned pool facility.
• Provide instructors with a ratio of one instructor for every six students during water activities.
• Provide an instructor to lead a water safety discussion station.
• Provide the required number of lifeguards to operate the facility.
• Provide PARD waivers to the school administration at least three weeks in advance of the start of the program.
The initial term of the agreement is January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, with two automatic extension options of two years each upon agreement by both parties.