Take the plunge with free adult swim lessons next month

Five classes will be offered and are free. Participants are encouraged to attend all five class sessions. Classes will be offered on:

• Wednesday April 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to noon

• Wednesday, April 20 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to noon

• Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

In fall 2015, Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District and Columbia Gorge Masters applied for grant money from U.S. Masters Swimming “Swimming Saves Lives” foundation and received $3,000 to fund an Adult Learn to Swim program during the month of April. In 2015, Oregon declared April as Adult Learn to Swim Month and a similar declaration is being sought for 2016. The money will fund five free lessons for any adult who chooses to participate, as well as providing participants with a cap, goggles, and a certificate at the end of the program.

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“Learning to swim can not only save a life, but it has a multitude of positive effects on an individual’s health and well-being,” Wiley said. “Our direct exposure to water in this community makes it so important for everyone to have the opportunity to learn how to swim, especially for those who have little experience with swimming or have a fear of water. In addition, because we live in a recreational area with multiple opportunities for water sports, there are many adults who would benefit from learning basic water safety, as well as becoming stronger swimmers.”

Columbia Gorge Masters will provide volunteer instructors under the direction of Aquatic Center staff. Information is available at the Aquatic Center and on the website. Although the class is free, registration is required.

Wiley said, “We expect three levels of students: the non-swimmer with possible fear of the water, the swimmer who has not mastered breathing in the water, and the swimmer who would like some assistance with stroke technique. The teaching will be very personalized to the student’s comfort and ability level with a low instructor to student ratio.”

Adult classes will continue to be offered at the Hood River Aquatic Center following the free lessons in April, and remaining grant funds will go towards providing adult swim lesson scholarships for future participants.

For more information on classes offered at the Aquatic Center, visit www.hoodriver-parksandrec.org, or call 541-386-1303.

Columbia Gorge Masters practices Monday through Friday from 6-7:30 a.m., as well as on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. Information regarding its program can be found on www.hrvst.org.