VSU Continues Tradition of Offering Summer Swimming Lessons

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University Campus Recreation is offering swimming lessons  for children and adults weekly through July 16.

Group lessons are offered in the morning and in the evening in the indoor, heated Student Recreation Center pool on Sustella Avenue and taught by experienced swim instructors. Private and semi-private lessons are also available.  

Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years are welcome to register for the parent and tot session from 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. each day. This class is limited to six participants and addresses basic water adjustment and beginning water skills.

Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are welcome to register for the preschool age class, which is offered to both non-swimmers and swimmers. This class is limited to four participants. Sessions are available from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., noon to 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 5:50 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. for non-swimmers and from 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 5:10 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for swimmers.  

Children between the ages of 6 and 11 are welcome to register for the grade school age class, which is also offered to both non-swimmers and swimmers. This class is limited to four participants. Sessions are available from 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m., and 5:10 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. for non-swimmers and from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., 5:50 p.m. to 6:20 p.m., and 7:10 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. for swimmers.

Non-swimmers are defined as those who are not comfortable and/or confident in the water and who swim less than five feet (preschool age) or 10 feet (grade school age) independently. Swimmers are defined as those who are comfortable and confident in the water and who have the ability to swim over five feet (preschool age) or 10 feet (grade school age) independently.

Adult beginner classes are available for participants 12 years of age and older. There is no upper age limit. This class is limited to four participants and ideal for those who cannot move through the water independently and who are not comfortable and/or confident in the water. Sessions are available from noon to 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Adult intermediate classes are available for participants 12 years of age and older. Again, there is no upper age limit. This class is limited to four participants and ideal for those who are comfortable and confident in the water and able to move a significant distance in the water independently. It is also appropriate for those who wish to learn different swim strokes or refine their technique. Sessions are available from 12:40 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.

Group lessons are $59 per weekly session. Private lessons are $25 per half-hour lesson. Semi-private lessons, which are for two people, are $30 per half-hour lesson $15 per participant. Discounts are available for current Student Recreation Center members and fee-paying students who wish to take private or semi-private lessons.

Every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning.

Contact Catherine Citta, graduate assistant for aquatics, at (229) 245-4305 or cmcitta@valdosta.edu to learn more.