Swim instructor Betty Smithson teaches a student how to float and kick during lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Summer and swimming go hand in hand. With summer being only a few days away, one of the best ways to beat the heat is having fun in the water. But before jumping in any water to cool off, knowing how to swim is the key to great fun.
Swim classes are underway at 100 Black Men of Jackson, located at 5360 Highland Drive, just south of Callaway High School.
“We had 303 participants last summer,” said instructor Betty Smithson. “The swim program will have four, 2-week sessions.”
With smiles and encouragement, swim instructor Betty Smithson teaches a student how kick during lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
They started June 3 and will continue through July 25. “There are six, 45-minute classes per day and classes meet Monday to Thursday,” added Smithson before entering the pool.
Kids file out to the pool and are eager to hit the water. Instructors Smithson, Meredith Cole and Matthew Mixon, Sunkist Swim Team head coach and owner of Live Slow Swim Fast LLC, greet each child by name and with a smile.
Swim instructor Matthew Mixon teaches a student how to hold her breath, descend to the bottom of the pool and ascend safely, during lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
Lessons begin. Instructors are teaching water safety, breath control, flotation and swim strokes to children with a wide range of abilities with patience and care.
Swim instructor Betty Smithson and a student are all smiles after he successfully kicks to her, during lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States and the second leading cause of death by accidental injury for children 5 to 14.
A student takes the plunge and kicks the short distance to the outstretched arms of instructor Betty Smithson, during lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
“Our goal here is teaching kids to be safe in and around the water,” said Aquatics Director Barnett Taylor. “These lessons will enable these kids to have fun in the water and also to be safe. That’s the key.”
A student learns the backstroke under the tutelage of instructor Matthew Mixon, during swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodaySwim instructor Matthew Mixon teaches a student how to how to float, during lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayA swim student learns the backstroke under the watchful eye of instructor Matthew Mixon, during swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodaySwim classes are underway at 100 Black Men of Jackson, located at 5360 Highland Drive, just south of Callaway High School. The swim program is comprised of six, 45-minute classes per day and classes meet Monday – Thursday. Classes began June 3rd and lasts to July 25. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayA student learns the backstroke during swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayInstructor Meredith Cole teaches a student how to float, during swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayA student learns how to put on goggles during swim classes held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayThe joy of success, during swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayInstructor Meredith Cole teaches beginners swim strokes, during swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi TodayA cannonball off the diving board punctuates the end of swim lessons held at 100 Black Men of Jackson, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
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Swim lessons promote fun and safety at 100 Black Men of Jackson
Vickie King has experience as a professional photographer spanning 35 years- from childhood purchasing her first camera by selling flower seeds to neighbors, as a stringer for Associated Press in Des Moines, Iowa, a freelancer shooting an album cover to your loved one’s wedding, and your kids and pets at a J.C. Penney portrait studio. She joins the Mississippi Today team as a photojournalist.
A native Mississippian and resident of Jackson, Vickie was born in Laurel.
You know her work from years as a staff photographer for the Clarion-Ledger. Her award-winning photography has appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Editor & Publisher Magazine, People Magazine, in national news broadcasts, and books depicting the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the glory of Ole Miss football.
Most recently, she is the former photographer, Special Projects Officer IV, Staff Officer I, videographer, and online content producer for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. She is also a Pulitzer Prize nominee for Spot News.
Vickie is a graduate of Simpson College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Relations.
