Swim classes in full splash at Greater Marco Family YMCA

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Moms hold their children as swim instructor Dottie Weiner watches closely in the Mom Parent/Child Class for children 6 months to 3 years old at the Greater Marco Family YMCA. Here, the children are learning how to reach and pull with their arms. The class is 5:30 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday for two weeks.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Moms, with their young ones, are ready for the Mom Parent/Child swimm lesson at the Greater Marco YMCA. From left, Misty and Elijah Hogue, 22 months, Katie and Charlotte Freeman, 11 months, Carla and Cordell Masse, 8 months, Becky and Logan Cohrs, 11 months.

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

Roger LaLonde/Staff (3) Elijah Hogue, 22 months, jumps into mom Misty's arms in swim lessons at the Greater Marco Family YMCA. Lessons for all ages are available at the YMCA.

Swim classes are in full splash at the Greater Marco Family YMCA."The ultimate goal of the Greater Marco Family YMCA Swim Program is to keep kids safe through learned swim safety techniques," said Dottie Weiner, youth swim lesson instructor.

It starts out with the simple task of "Reach and Pull' that helps children learn how to breathe properly and how to save themselves from getting panicky, she said.

The training starts out with children as young as six months old, with a parent actively involved in the swim lessons, she said.

Children 3 years and older then move on to specialized swim-training procedures based on the child's ability.

The two-week swim schedule dates are: July 2-16, July 23-Aug. 2, Aug. 13-23, Sept. 4-14, Sept. 24-Oct. 4, Oct. 15-25.

All classes meet Monday through Thursday. Class times are: Parent/Child, 6 months to 3 years old, 5:30 to 6 p.m.; Pike/Eel, half-hour sessions, from 3:30 to 4 p.m., 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Ray/Starfish/Guppy/Minnow/Fish/Flying Fish /Shark, 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. Children advance to higher levels based on their ability.

Fees are $50 for Marco YMCA members and $70 for nonmembers.

Marco Island residents may receive a $15 discount for youth swim lessons through funds provided by the City of Marco Island, with proof of residency required.

Classes canceled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled. For more information call Dottie Weiner at 394-9622, ext. 204, or email, dottie@marcoislandymca.org.