About 180 kids age 3 to 14 turned out today for the American Red Cross' opening day of free keiki swim classes at Ala Moana Beach.

The Red Cross is offering two four-week series of classes aimed at helping beginning swimmers get comfortable in the water and providing instruction in basic swimming skills to those more accustomed to being in the ocean.
Christabel Iha, 36, of Pearl City watched from the beach as her husband Paul helped their 3-year-old son Joshua with a crawling exercise.
"It's a great way to introduce (Joshua) to swimming in the ocean," said Iha, who admitted that she too could use a swimming lesson. "We were worried that he might not enjoy it, but he just jumped right in."
The class meets at 8:45 a.m. each Saturday through June 27. The second session runs July 11 to Aug. 1.
The Red Cross also offers basic swimming instruction to persons age 14 and older each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 5:15 to 6 p.m. at Ala Moana Beach.
For more information, visit www.hawaiiredcross.org or call 739-8131.