ANDREWS, S.C. —  Two classes at Andrews Elementary School learned the very basics of boating and swimming safety on the last days of the school year.

Children from Tracy Dunn’s and Lisa Camp’s second grade classes not only had “Pirate Day” on Monday, they heard from Dunn’s father, Capt. Mike Foxworth, about the importance of wearing life jackets and staying seated while in a vessel.

Foxworth, who assists with fishing tournaments and delivers boats for Marshall’s Marine in Lake City, passed out coloring books that included small lessons on water safety.

He said he wanted to do the safety lesson, since children will soon be out on summer vacation — and spending more time on the water.

“There are certain things you have to do on the water,” Foxworth said.

“Wear your life preservers and follow the rules.”

He also advised the children to check the bottom of an area before they jump in the water.

The bottom could contain rocks or stumps or grass, he said.

“You could get tangled up in the grass,’’ he said.

During the demonstration, the children climbed aboard a large pontoon boat Foxworth brought to the school.

The children did their best pirate imitations as they pretended to drive the boat or cruise through the water.

Foxworth said Gregg Brown, an officer with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, supplied the coloring books for the children.

“Even if you’re a good swimmer, you should wear a life preserver,’’ Foxworth said.  

Andrews Elementary Principal Brian Clark said teachers are using the last days of school to teach lessons on nature and water safety, and to do other activities they couldn’t do during the school year.

“This is a time when teachers can be creative and teach them about safety,’’ Clark said.

By Kelly Marshall Fuller

Kfuller@gtowntimes.com