Red Cross program helps people ‘get in the swim’

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Brayden Neal gets some assistance from Tanya Bess while learning water exploration skills. (Amy Satterwhite photo)

Splish, splash! It’s all wet fun and games now that over 500 individuals have improved their swimming abilities through a well-planned lesson program.

The American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program has just completed four weeks of free swimming classes at Gilley Pool under the direction of Kyle and Becky Phillips. Instruction was offered without charge for anyone from age 6 through adults.

The Phillips couple has been associated with this swim program for a number of years and earned specific certification to qualify for the volunteer position of responsibility they now hold.

“This year, we had 500 students participating in a total of 32 classes, in addition to 72 volunteers, who worked to make the classes successful,” noted Kyle Phillips.

These many volunteers included trained instructors, aides, lifeguards and deck assistants.

Six levels of swimming abilities stressed in the classes were as follows:

Level I: Water exploration; Level II: Primary skills; Level III: Stroke readiness; Level IV: Stroke development; Level V: Stroke refinement; Level VI: Skill proficiency; Pre-lifeguarding course.

“Without the efforts of all the volunteers, this swim program would not be possible,” concluded Becky Phillips. “We also appreciate the city of McMinnville for allowing use of the new pool for this purpose, and also thank Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown and her staff at the Civic Center and pool for their help and cooperation.”