Swim classes offered for free by Red Cross
By Carrie Ching
Advertiser Staff Writer
Long lines and full classes turned away many parents hoping to sign their kids up for summer swimming lessons at O'ahu district parks. But those who didn't make the cut can still enroll in summer swim classes offered by the American Red Cross beginning tomorrow.
• What: Keiki lessons (ages 4-14): Saturdays, 8:45 to 10 a.m., today through Aug. 7 (no class July 3). Adult lessons: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:15 to 6 p.m., June 7 through July 15 and July 26 through Aug. 12 (no class July 5). • Where: Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island side near the showers and lifeguard station 1E. • COST: Free. • To register: Register on site. • Information: 739-8123, 734-2101 or www.hawaiiredcross.org. Other classes include CPR certification, water safety instructor and lifeguard training. Teens and adults can volunteer to assist in keiki swim classes. Call 739-8194.
Free classes for keiki and adults are held at Ala Moana Beach Park, on the Magic Island side.
Learn to be safe in water
"A lot of people in Hawai'i think they know the water because they're around it all the time, but most people don't know how to keep themselves safe in an emergency," said Mary Meinel, director of health and safety services for the Hawai'i chapter of the Red Cross.
The Red Cross has been offering free summer swim programs on O'ahu for about 40 years. By offering free classes, Meinel said the Red Cross hopes to reach out to those who can't afford swimming lessons to ensure water safety for families throughout Hawai'i.
There is no limit to the number of keiki and adults the Red Cross can accommodate in its swim program, Meinel said.
"People come and go," Meinel said. "You register one time and come as many times as you can."
New students can sign up for swim classes when they show up at the beach on their first day.
Classes are taught by Red Cross-certified water safety instructors and teens who volunteer through the Summer Buddies program. Classes are available for swimmers of all levels, ranging from basic water awareness for non-swimmers to refining stroke techniques for seasoned swimmers. Parents are required to get in the water with children who can't swim.
Reach Carrie Ching at cching@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8054.
