(Bohemia, NY)... Jim Hazen, owner of Saf-T-Swim, generously provided swimming scholarships to the Marcie Mazzola Foundation which works to help children in need. The Foundation in turn donated the scholarships to the Education & Assistance's (EAC) Chance to Advance Program which will keep Long Island's foster children safe in and around water, as well as build confidence and self-esteem. For more information about Saf-T-Swim, visit www.saf-t-swim.com

The Marcie Mazzola Foundation was established by the Mazzola Family as a tribute to Marcie who at the age of 21 was killed in a car accident in 2002. The Foundation's mission is to continue Marcie's commitment to children and to specifically "help better the lives of abused and at risk children; and increase community awareness about the needs of children." For more information about the Marcie Mazzola Foundation visit www.marciemazzolafoundatiom.org.

The EAC Chance to Advance program is one of 72 programs EAC administers. Chance to Advance supports foster children ages 6 to 21 by providing educational and enrichment opportunities through the help of 1-on-1 mentors. Volunteer mentors take children to extracurricular activities and enrichment programs, and help them with college coaching and vocational training. In addition, tuition support is provided for students who are interested in furthering their education. For more information about EAC's Chance to Advance Program, visit www.eacinc.org.

Tragedy has been striking Long Islanders at an alarming rate. It seems that parents have been reading about the horrors of poolside drownings almost every time they open a newspaper or turn on the news. What's worse is that an overwhelming number of those who have lost their lives this summer in pool-related accidental drownings have been young children.

Fortunately, unlike many terrible events that may befall us, accidental drownings are highly preventable. The primary purpose of Saf-T-Swim's Long Island swimming schools is to teach water safety, thereby reducing the number of needless drownings nationwide. Your children will work "one-on-one" with highly qualified, caring, dedicated swim instructors whose primary goal is to teach children to "love and respect the water."

Now is the perfect time to give your child (ren) a "head-start" towards the 2008 swim season. Parents can do this by enrolling their child (ren) in swim lessons at one of our Long Island facilities where your child will not only benefit from the physical, mental and emotional stimulation that swimming year-round provides, but will also be taught survival skills to last their entire life.

Our Long Island Swimming schools offer a wide variety of classes that are suited to all ages and ability levels. Our swim programs are geared to enhance your child's awareness when it comes to water safety, and valuable survival skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Dear Parents:

Founded in 1984 in Bay Shore, Long Island, Saf-T-Swim has since grown from its one location to eight throughout Long Island, becoming New York's number one swim school. During our more than two decades of operation, we've helped thousands gain the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm to participate in aquatic sports and activities.

A great deal of our success can be directly attributed to the development of our unique method of teaching, which has revolutionized the way babies and toddlers learn swimming and water safety. At the same time, our instructors have earned an unsurpassed reputation for their professional expertise, dedication, and positive, caring approach. After completing our program, children and parents alike find their fear of water has been replaced by knowledge and a new found respect for the water.

Looking back, I sometimes find it hard to believe just how many years have passed, and how much we've grown. At the same time, it's very gratifying to realize we're now teaching our second generation of students. It is important to acknowledge all those who have helped make Saf-T-Swim such an outstanding company: our students, instructors, administrative staff, and suppliers. They are the very best, and I am both proud and humbled by their efforts and accomplishments."

- Jim Hazen, Founder and President.