08/07/2026
The Sheriff’s Office was honored to again assist with the Charlevoix County 4H swim from Young State Park to Whitings Park! It’s an event we look forward to each summer! It’s a pretty awesome way to spend the morning!!!
🍀🏊🏼♂️The Boyne Area 4-H Swim School continues to provide youth with opportunities to develop confidence, perseverance, water safety skills, and personal responsibility through hands-on learning experiences. One of the program's most anticipated traditions is the Annual Lake Swim, where participants who have demonstrated the necessary swimming skills complete a challenging 1.3-mile swim across Lake Charlevoix.
This milestone is much more than a swim—it is the culmination of 6 weeks of instruction, practice, and goal setting. Youth learn the value of dedication, resilience, and believing in their abilities while accomplishing something many never imagined possible.
A critical component of the event's success is the ongoing partnership with the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department. Deputies provide on-the-water safety support throughout the crossing, ensuring participants, instructors, and volunteers have the resources needed for a safe and well-coordinated event. Their presence allows youth to focus on achieving their goals while giving families confidence that participant safety remains the highest priority.
During the 2026 Boyne Area 4-H Swim School season, more than 100 youth participated in swim instruction, with eligible swimmers successfully completing level 5 of the Red Cross Learn to Swim program get the opportunity to complete the 1.3-mile Lake Charlevoix crossing as the capstone experience of the program. Through this achievement, participants strengthened not only their swimming abilities but also essential life skills, including perseverance, confidence, decision-making, and goal achievement.
The partnership between Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development and the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department demonstrates the power of community collaboration in creating meaningful learning experiences for young people. By working together, organizations can provide safe environments where youth are encouraged to challenge themselves, build resilience, and celebrate accomplishments that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The Boyne Area 4-H Swim School is grateful for the continued support of the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department. Their commitment to public safety and youth development plays an essential role in helping young people reach new milestones while strengthening connections throughout the Charlevoix County community.
