Swim lessons begin Monday

Registration remains open for the McMinnville Aquatic Center's Learn to Swim Program, which opens this coming Monday.

The program offers a variety of morning and evening lessons, in different formats and for all ages.

“Our goal, in general, is to serve as many people in the community as we can,” said Recreation Coordinator Anna Stirrett. She said swim lessons are a great way to achieve that goal in a safe and fun environment.

The center offers classes specifically designed for parents with young children, ages 6 months to 4 years.

“Parent-child classes are essentially designed for kids to become comfortable in the water,” Stirrett said. She said these classes also teach the parents to prepare their children for swim lessons through songs, games, toys and skill preparation.

The Minnow program teaches 4- to 5-year-olds how to float and kick, move through the water safely and blow bubbles. The Stingray program, for ages 6 and up, teaches recreational swimming skills and beginning water safety.

Intermediate and advanced students, who can swim at least 25 yards in the crawl and back strokes, are recommended for the Dolphins program. They work on recreational swimming ability, water and boating safety skills, endurance and strength.

The lessons include an introduction to competitive swimming and water polo, as well as a relay meet and a field trip to Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark.

Robert Porter, manager of the center and aquatics director of McMinnville’s recreation department, said summer is the busiest time for lessons.

“Last year we had about 1,800 registrations,” he said. “During the summer time, we’re running 80 distinct lessons, so every half hour we’re running five or six at a time.”

Registration is on a first-come, first served basis, and space is limited. Options include group, small group, semi-private and private lessons, and cost varies with length and type.

For more information, call the Aquatic Center at 503-434-7309 or visit the registration website.