Knowing how to swim can save a child’s life. Summer is a great time to teach them when they have free time, lots of energy, and friends who want to go to the beach or pool. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercises there is, too, so hurry out to sign up for lessons before the classes fill up!
The YMCA, located at 3760 Telegraph Road, Ventura, offers classes for toddlers and parents. The registration is open now for classes which begin the week of June 23. The 4 week session of 30 minute classes is available mornings, evenings and weekends for little ones 6 months to 3 ½ years old. The cost is $30, but if you aren’t a YMCA member, you’ll need to purchase a $30 program membership in order to register. There is also a 4 week Gym and Swim for the same age group that includes 30 minutes of gymnastics, singing and parachute play, followed by 30 minutes of pool instruction. This course is also $30. Contact Amber, Aquatics Director at (805) 642-2131 ext. 19.
Oxnard High School has opened registration at their Olympic outdoor heated pool from 3pm-7pm, Mon-Fri. Lessons begin June 22 and finish on August 28. Oxnard Aquatic Center is located at 3400 West Gonzales in Oxnard. The phone number is (805) 278-0910, but is a recorded message only.
The City of Ventura Aquatic Center at 901 S. Kimball in Ventura offers the widest range of swimming classes in Ventura County. Registration is done on the internet, and there are already waitlists for many of the upcoming courses which are offered any day of the week and at varied times. Cost varies from $25 – $60 for 3 – 10 class sessions, except the Toddler and Parent class, which is $15 per class.
Toddler and Parent classes have already started for children 6 months to 5 years old. The cost is $15 for 60 minutes of pool time, which includes a 30 minute swim lesson in the recreation pool, followed by 30 minutes of free play in the activity pool. Classes are held weekly on Friday at 4:25pm – 5:25pm from June 5 to September 4.
For children 3-5 years, the Ventura Aquatic Center has a program for children new to swim lessons or with a fear of water. The class focuses on getting used to being in water, blowing bubbles, assisted floating, and arm/leg movements.
Children 4+ can take part in a Primary Skills class that is the start of basic swimming skills. The class focuses on retrieving objects from underwater, floating without assistance, introduction to freestyle swimming, and water safety skills.
Children 5+ who are able to swim freestyle at least 10 yards can enroll in a Stroke Readiness swim class. The focus is on swimming distances of up to 15 yards using freestyle and backstroke. This class also includes beginning diving skills.
Children 8+ who are able to swim 20 yards without stopping can enroll in a Stroke Development class. The swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke and butterfly, and work on refining freestyle and backstroke technique. This course also works on increasing swimming endurance and diving skills.
