SHELBY — Reach or throw, don’t go.
That was one of the safety messages Wednesday morning at Seltzer Pool in Shelby as youngsters learned to swim during one of the four such sessions scheduled this summer.
Meaning, if a child sees a fellow learner struggling in the water, don’t go into the water to try to help them, possibly creating a need to save both.
Instead, the proper response is to reach for something they could extend for the child to grasp onto or toss a life ring for them to use.
Lessons at Seltzer Pool, 70 Parkwood Drive, are available for students ranging from preschool through fifth grade. Advanced courses are offered based upon request.
“(The) focus with younger students is to get them acclimated and find what they’re comfortable with,” said Jill Potter, Seltzer Pool assistant manager.
“With (the) older students, the focus is to help them grow out of their comfort zone, such as getting their eyes in the water,” Potter said.
Lessons are led by pool manager Brandie Albert, Potter, assistant manager Kirsten Wasilewski and instructor Leigh Oden.
Four instructional sessions are offered over the course of the summer.
“Retention is great, (to) see the children who come back and their progress,” Potter said.
Potter stressed the importance of pre-registration in order to make the most efficient use of each student’s time. Forms to pre-register can be picked up at the pool.
With the temperature of the pool, and forecast, on the rise, Potter hopes to see attendance continue to increase, as has occurred between the first and second sessions.
Sessions cost $25 per swimmer and run for five straight days of instruction.
Seltzer Pool will offer two more instructional sessions this summer. Information regarding those dates can be found below.
— Session 3 will take place July 10 to 14.
— Session 4 will take place July 24 to 28 (if there is enough interest).
