Kroc Center set to offer free adult swim lessons

According to the CDC, 37 percent of American adults cannot swim the length of a pool, putting them at risk for being one of the 10 people who drown every day in the U.S.

That’s why the Kroc Center has teamed up with the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation to offer a set of swim lessons specifically for adults. Starting March 4, six sessions will be offered in a comfortable setting completely free of charge.

“We wanted to remove as many barriers as possible so that more adults could learn to swim and be safe in the water this summer,” said Aquatics Manager Gary Kessie.

Participants will work one on one with certified instructors getting accustomed to the water and learning water safety skills. Instructors include locals Gloria Waggoner and Mike Hamm, two of only a dozen instructors nationally certified by the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation.

“Even though we are surrounded by waterways, it’s not uncommon in this area to meet adults who never learned to swim,” said Kroc Program Director Stacy Barney. “And the older you get, the less likely you are to ever take a lesson.”

The Kroc Adult Learn to Swim class will take place at The Kroc Center from 6:30 to 7 a.m. starting Monday, March 4, and will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays for six sessions. Anyone 18 or older who has never had a swim lesson or considers themselves a weak swimmer is encouraged to participate.

Registration is required and may be completed online at www.kroccda.org or at the Kroc’s front desk. Call 208-763-0657 with any questions.