Red Cross seeking swimming teachers
Members of the American Red Cross are announcing the need for qualified instructors to give swimming lessons this summer as hundreds of children are expected to enter the program.
Kyle Phillips, who is coordinating the swimming lesson program with his wife, Becky, said water safety instructor classes will be held next week in hopes of gaining more instructors.
The water safety instructor class, which costs $45 for books, is set for June 14-25 at 6 p.m. at Gilley Pool. Potential instructors must be at least 17 and hold at least a level five skill level. At that level, the person would be proficient at front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, side stroke and breast stroke, Phillips said.
Water safety aides, which assist greatly in swimming lessons instruction, are also needed. Classes are free. Potential aides must be at least 12 and hold a skill level four.
Phillips said in the course of the American Red Cross’ swimming lessons program itself, of which specific dates are to be announced later, 36 classes are taught throughout July.
“That’s barely one instructor per class,” Phillips said.
Becky Phillips added the program is volunteer-based.
“All of our instructors are volunteers and we are always looking for additional volunteers to help with the program,” she said.
Those interested in taking the water safety instructor course may contact Shawn Palombo at 668-9146. Those interested in taking the water safety aide course may contact Becky Phillips at 939-2802. All volunteers may also contact the American Red Cross at 473-2595.