Supervisor: Andy
Spence WSI
-Andy completes
his 4th year as the swim lessons supervisor, but has worked for the City
teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding for 13 years. He is the Assistant
Athletic Trainer at SUNY Oneonta during the school year.
Where: Wilber Park Pool
located in beautiful Oneonta, NY.
When: At the end
of the public school year usually the last week of June or the first week
of July.
Sponsorship: American Red Cross learn to swim program
Who: The lessons program offers free swim lessons for infants (6 months old) and up. Children will go through the levels progression until they reach level 7. Upon completion of level 7, they may enroll into lifeguard training or other programs (depending on the numbers). Often times, students who complete the program come back and act as helpers. They provide a vital role in the program.
Registration: This occurs in June at the recreation office located in Neahwa Park. Typically registration will take place at least two-three weeks before the lessons program begins. To confirm the dates, call the Recreation Office at 607-432-0680. Each year the program will register between 300-400 children.
Staff: The staff numbers 10 each year. This allows for smaller classes and a good instructor to student ratio.
The program: The program involves swimming progressions for children of all ages. Skills are broken down and taught in a systematic way. One day a week (mainly fridays- depending on weather) is reserved for safety. The younger levels (Pre 1-3) listen to lectures about safety in and around water areas. The middle levels (4-5) learn first aid skills, and the upper levels (6-7) complete the community water saftety course. The IPAP program brings the infants and toddlers into the pool with their parents. The purpose of this program is to get the children adjusted to the water while working on some basic swimming skills.
The Swim Show: At the end of the program, the instructors work with the students on a synchronized swim show. This is a way to show off their swimming skills in a synchronized manner. This creates a nice non-competitive envrionment that is fun for all.
For more information contact the Recreation Office.
