For the past 15 years the 5th graders at Hage visit the beach to surf, boogie board, paddle board and kayak. The students at Hage, starting in the 3rd grade, receive 10 free swimming lessons each year and that is why the 5th graders are treated to a beach field trip. KUSI and CBS covered the morning activities and interview students who are in the program now and those who have moved on to middle and high school. The afternoon held a special treat because San Diego and Hage Elementary were chosen to be part of the Make a Splash Tour by USA Swimming and Phillips 66. Gold metal Olympic swimmers, Rowdy Gains 1984, Josh Davis 1996, Jordan Wilimovsky 2016, and Ryan Murphy 2016 spent the afternoon with the students. They showed off their gold medals, let the kids wear them, and talked about the importance of learning to swim. Then each athlete put on a wet suit and hit the water. They helped students surf, paddle board, kayak and boogie board. The athletes were very gracious and great working with the children.
