The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and the Charleston County Parks Foundation will host a fun event to raise funds for The Genesis Swim Safety Fund at the West County Aquatic Center. The inaugural Genesis Swim-A-Thon will take place on May 17, which is the first day the pool facility is open for the summer season.
This exciting day of swimming will support the foundation’s Genesis Swim Safety Fund, which brings vital swim instruction and water safety skills to over 300 kids each year via the portable pool program, formal swimming lessons, and the West County Aquatic Center’s Wahoos Swim Team. The Genesis Swim Safety Fund was established after the tragic drowning of 13 year-old Genesis Holmes in Hollywood, SC. It aims to support aquatic safety programs in the Johns Island, Awendaw/McClellanville, and Ravenel/Hollywood areas to reduce the number of drownings in Charleston County.
To become involved in the Genesis Swim-A-Thon, participants will create a personal fundraising page (link to register) to gather pledges from friends, family and businesses (minimum $50). Donors pledge a set amount based on the participant’s performance in the Swim-A-Thon. On May 17, swimmers will have a two-hour period to swim a maximum of 200 lengths of the pool. For more information or to sign up, visit https://ccprc.com/3777/
The West County Aquatic Center (WCAC) and the Genesis Pool were built in Hollywood with a mission and vision to save lives. The amenities at WCAC include lifeguards, competitive swim lanes, a zero-depth entry area, restrooms, showers, changing areas, lounge chairs, and aquatic safety and fitness programs. Hollywood is also the community where Genesis Holmes and his family are from. Jennifer Holmes, Genesis' mother, continues to serve on the Genesis Swim Safety Committee. Since the passing of Genesis, she has learned to swim and became a certified lifeguard at WCAC. The community now has access to a community pool and free swim lessons. The Genesis Swim Safety Fund provides children and families with the skill to swim that will develop into a lifelong love for water that impacts future generations.
The West County Aquatic Center is located at 5156 Highway 165, Hollywood, SC. The pool will be open to the public for weekends only from May 17 – May 25 (also open Memorial Day), then open for daily operations May 30 – Aug. 10. For additional information on the facility, including hours, visit https://ccprc.com/3316/West-