On Saturday I walked over to the Rec and snapped a few photos of the Learn to Swim class. IT WAS SO FUN! Everyone was excited to be there. The parents were helpful and involved. The instructor was great and the children were very enthusiastic.

“I took swim classes ’cause I don’t know how to swim. I think it’ll be fun. I’m excited.” said Learn to Swim student Colin Campbell, 6.

The swim instructor, Jenna Teitenburg, 19, loves teaching swim class and was all smiles as she helped her students learn the basics. This was a level one class so the main goal was to teach the youngsters to feel comfortable in the water. The class lasted 30 to 45 minutes and the children learned so much. They learned how to blow bubbles, dunk their heads underwater, hold their breath, float and find things on the bottom of the pool.

“My favorite part about being a swim instructor is seeing how much progress the kids have made.” said Teitenburg. “I’ve taught kids from preschool up to level six and its such a rewarding job to see them succeed in swimming.”

All in all, everyone had fun on Saturday. The parents walked away smiling and the children left with a newfound understanding about the importance of swimming.

“People don’t think about how often they could potentially be exposed to water throughout their lives.” said Micha Alt, assistant director of the aquatics department. “Being able to swim gives them a leg up. Learning to swim will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”

If you have children and are interested in enrolling them in the University’s Learn to Swim classes, please contact the Aquatics Department at (419) 372-2000 or just drop by the front desk at the Student Recreation Center. They will be happy to talk with you and get you started. If you want to find out more about the Learn to Swim classes please visit their web site.

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