In Waitsburg, Swim Lessons Instill Confidence

WAITSBURG - "I'm so great at swim lessons!" announced Alyssa Araya as she exited the dressing room following her Level 3 swim class at the Waitsburg City Pool on Tuesday morning. That statement - along with the fact that 60 children participated in lessons this year -- is a testament to the success of Waitsburg's swim program.

This year Waitsburg offered one two-week session of swim lessons, from beginners at Level 1, to the more advanced Level 4 swimmers. Lessons are taught by guards Zac Brown, Paige Wood and Devin Newman.

Pool manager Rosie Warehime said they generally start instruction around age three or when children are old enough to follow instructions. Level 1 and 2 swimmers also wear "floaties" throughout the lesson. Warehime said they had so many level 1 swimmers this year that they had to divide them into two sessions.

"At this stage we just want to get them comfortable with the water and let them learn to trust the guards," said Warehime. "It's fun to see how quickly they advance. We have some level 1 swimmers that will even jump off the diving board.". Levels are based on ability rather than age. At Level 4, swimmers learn a variety of dives and swim strokes and practice their breathing technique.

The 60 participants this year is nearly double last year's count of 32 swimmers and more than triples the 16 children who took lessons in 2012. A grant from the Friends of the Waitsburg Pool, overseen by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, and originated by Dr. Roger and Laura Jean Hevel, makes swimming lessons free to city residents.