Everyone Swims

With the weather teasing us with the possibility of warm temperatures and outdoor pleasures, it is time to hone our summer-loving skills. Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Alford is ready to do its part by helping everyone develop and strengthen their skills in the water.

In April, it will offer adults and children in the region free swim lessons as part of its year-round programming that promotes health, wellness and safety.

Adult lessons will be offered every Tuesday in April from 7-8:30PM, as well as Monday, April 8th and Friday, April 12th, from 5:30-6:45PM. Lessons for children will be offered Mondays, April 8th and 15th, and Fridays, April 12th and 19th, all from 5:30-6:45PM.

Adults taking lessons at the same time will work one side of the pool and their children on the other. Volunteer instructors will conduct the classes at the Kilpatrick Athletic Aquatics Center which features an eight-lane, 25-yard pool.

There is a one-time, $10 processing fee.

More than 30 percent of the U.S. adult population doesn’t know how to swim, a statistic the Adult Learn to Swim initiative hopes to reduce by enabling members of communities to help each other learn. Learners will focus on the five competencies of safe swimming as outlined by the American Red Cross: jumping in water over their head, treading water, turning 360 degrees, swimming across the pool and getting out of the pool without the use of the ladder.

To sign up, contact the Kilpatrick Athletic Center at 413-528-7777 or kilpatrick@simons-rock.edu. Simon’s Rock is located at 84 Alford Road in Great Barrington.