This week, over 100 five to nine year old kids are learning about pool safety at a local camp.

The Boys & Girls Club of Albany in partnership with the ZAC Foundation kicked off their swimming safety camp Tuesday morning.

The four day extensive water training class will focus on proper swimming techniques, the buddy system and how to safely enter and exit the pool area.

Kids will also have a chance to interact with local law enforcement and first responders to learn other valuable skills about the pool.

Albany Boys & Girls Club CEO Marvin Laster says Southwest Georgia has seen too many deaths related to drownings and pool related incidents.

He adds, this is a chance for these young kids to learn not only to save themselves in the water but also someone else.

“We feel confident that because of this program, more people and more young people will be better prepared to handle themselves when they’re around water. Whether they’re out for a family picnic or just having fun at a pool or at a lake or something, we want them to be safe,” said Laster.

The camp runs from 9 a.m. until noon every day leading up to Friday.

Closing ceremonies will be held at noon on Friday which will include comments from Mayor Hubbard and other local leaders.