FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
While the summer may be over, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the pool at Fort Eustis.
The Aquatics Center is offering swim classes for children and adults through the 2012-2013 school year. The center hosts a variety of classes for different age groups and skill levels, giving everyone a chance to get their feet wet.
Most sessions run two days a week for four weeks, totaling eight classes per session, while a few classes are offered on Saturday mornings. Class options include parent and child classes, "Aqua Tots," designed for kids ages 3 and 4, levels 1-6 for children, and adult classes.
Christina White, the aquatics manager, said the swim lesson program has grown steadily due to good reviews and an influx of customer demand from the community. During the center's summer program, 162 swimmers of all ages completed nearly 30 different classes.
"The program has been very popular, with a lot of repeat customers," White said, adding that word-of-mouth advertising has been positive as well.. "It's been so much fun getting these programs up and running to meet the demand. It's great for the community to take advantage of the great instructors and the facility we have here."
Lifeguards Erin Greenaway and Alexis Cain regularly instruct younger children during swim classes, including the "Aqua Tots" course. The pair said working with youngsters is the best part of their job.
"We teach them how to really swim, using their legs and arms, but we keep it fun for them," Greenaway said. "We also put a lot of emphasis on safety. In our classes, we teach them how to find a lifeguard and what to do in case someone is having trouble or in distress."
"We want to keep parents at ease, and let them know their children are safe and in good hands," Cain added. "The parents love the program, and like the way we teach."
White said while swim lessons for children are their most popular offering; many adults have taken advantage of the Saturday classes.
"A lot of older people that don't know how to swim might be embarrassed at first, but when they come in find it very easy to learn with us," she said. "So if someone says, 'I've had this fear my entire life, this is only obstacle I have to overcome,' they come here and get that positive encouragement, practice and reinforcement, and they're able to change their lives."
"Aqua Tots" and levels 1-6 classes cost $55. Families of deployed Service members with documentation are eligible for a $45 rate. Adult and parent/child classes cost $30. Private lessons are available for $40 per lesson, or $75 for two people.
Group lessons will not be conducted in December, January or May.
For more information about swim lessons or to register, call the Aquatic Center at 878-1090, or visit at 641 Tyler Ave. on Fort Eustis.