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Appalachian State University Recreation Offers the Boone Community the Red Cross ‘Learn to Swim’ Session

by Mariel Gambino

May 22, 2013. University Recreation (UREC) of Appalachian State is offering a Red Cross Learn to Swim Program for the members of the Boone community.

images-2The program targets three categories of beginning swimmers. The infant to toddler group includes age six months to three years, the preschool group contains ages three to five and the school age group swimming is six 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 that this program can help teach younger children to be comfortable in an around the water as well as try to include water safety as an integral part of the lesson for all participants, regardless of age.

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

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

There are eight to ten instructors that rotate 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 peoples’ 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

The Blowing Rock Pool 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