1000 x 90

Swim Programs For All Ages In High Country: ASU UREC, Watauga Swim Complex and Blowing Rock Pool

By Mariel Gambino

May 23, 2013. With summer quickly approaching, ASU Recreation, Watauga County Swim Complex and the Robbin’s Pool in Blowing Rock offer residents in the High Country safe swim lessons. 

ASU’s UREC’s Red Cross To Swim Program Open To Public

University Recreation (UREC) of ASU is offering a Red Cross Learn to Swim Program for High Country residents.

Blowing Rock Pool - Photo Courtesy of Town of Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock Pool – Photo Courtesy of Town of Blowing Rock

It targets three categories of beginning swimmers. The infant to toddler group includes age 6 months to 3 years, the preschool group contains ages 3 to 5 and the school age group swimming is 6 years and up.

The instructors are UREC student employees who have received Water Safety Instructor (WSI), lifeguard and CPR certifications through the Red Cross.

The first session of swim lessons starts June 3, with the second following on July 8. Registration for the first session ends May 30, and July 5 for the second session.

Cheryl Eddins, the Assistant Aquatics Director for UREC, said this program helps teach younger children to be comfortable in and around the water. Also, it includes water safety as an integral part of the lesson for all participants, regardless of age.

For registration forms, fees and class times, click to www.aquatics.appstate.edu or contact Eddins at 828-262-8707.

Watauga County Parks and Recreation Provides a Safe Swimming Environment for the Entire Family

Also, Watauga County Parks and Recreation offers several different types of swimming lessons for people of all ages throughout the county,

There are eight to ten instructors rotating throughout the swim lessons at the Watauga County Swim Complex, and each must have WSI, lifeguard and CPR certifications.

An adult day pass is $4.00, children cost $3.50 and the pool offers one, three and six month individual, senior and youth passes.

In addition to swim lessons, the swim complex offers Aquacise classes and a Masters group of competitive swimmers.

“We are a saline solution pool, which is gentler on people’s skin, young or old.” said Ethan Carter, the pool’s head lifeguard.

For more information regarding Watauga County Swim Complex click www.wataugacounty.org or call 828-264-0870

Blowing Rock Pool Offers Residents of the High Country With a Six Level Swimming Lesson Program

The Robbin’s Pool in Blowing Rock gives swim lessons according to guidelines and regulations made available by the Red Cross.

Six levels are offered, with level one containing an introduction to water skills and level six teaching stroke refinement and proficiency. To take lessons, a membership is not required.

The instructors at the pool are required to be lifeguard certified, and many have prior experience working with children in a swim lesson setting.

Jason Balcome said the lessons hope to provide techniques to get children, especially the younger ones, excited about swimming.

Additional information can be found at www.townofblowingrock.com or 828-295-5224