Lessons prepare toddlers, kids for swim season

Pool safety is among the summer's hot topics, especially when children are involved. Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson officials are encouraging parents to take part in safety precautions and enroll their children in swim lessons.

"It's a safety issue," said Margaret Kurtz, Las Vegas public information specialist. "The fire department recommends that children get into swim lessons as soon as possible, (which is why) we start our classes at 18 months."

Kurtz said the city of Las Vegas offers swim lessons for children as early as 18 months with a parent. Lessons for children, teenagers and adults are available. Classes, which are slated through July, range from $25 for group lessons to $100 for private lessons.

The city of Henderson offers similar programs for adults and children at least 6 months old with a parent . Kim Becker, city communications supervisor, said having children start swim lessons at a young age is vital for safety.

"The most important thing you can do is to teach a child to swim," Becker said. "By third grade, if they haven't learned how to swim, they probably never will."

Becker said one of the most important factors in child swim lessons and water safety is having the parents participate in the process. She said each child is evaluated individually on his skills and ability to move to the next level, which begins with assisting children with feeling comfortable in the water.

Becker said several residents find private swim lessons to be most beneficial to their needs.

"If you have an older child who's not as good of a swimmer (as others) and might be a little embarrassed, or adults or seniors want to brush up on their skills or learn to swim, private lessons are great for that," Becker said.

Henderson's private lessons are $80 for four 30-minute classes with a swim instructor. No more than two family members may be enrolled in the same lesson.

In addition to ongoing swim lessons, water safety precautions will be a focus at the ninth annual Float Like a Duck community event, slated from 1 to 4 p.m. May 26 at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA, 4141 Meadows Lane. The event, sponsored by Paragon Pools Las Vegas, is designed to teach children the importance of water safety through activities and exhibits.

Joe Vassallo, president of Paragon Pools Las Vegas, said the event emphasizes parent and child awareness around the pool.

"We're trying to heighten the awareness of parents," Vassallo said. "They need to be cognizant of where their children are at all times. For children, we teach them how to behave around the swimming pool and teach them how to dial 9 1 1."

Vassallo said the idea behind Float Like a Duck centers around a "zero-tolerance policy" for drowning and deaths. When it comes to water safety, Vassallo said awareness tops the lists of preventative measures that should be taken.

"The event is really all about making people aware," Vassallo said. "Sometimes we're a little too complacent (with water safety). We have to be aware and recognize safety measures around the swimming pool."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.