Y swimming classes make a big splash

[August 05, 2011]  In the early morning hours, and again as the sun moved into the west, polliwogs, eels, pikes and guppies followed their leaders in and out of the water -- at the Elks pool. Five groups of youngsters, 6 months to 12 years old, spent two weeks in late July at different stages of the swimming process, from becoming acquainted with the water to perfecting their knowledge of styles.

Eight lifeguards, trained by the YMCA as instructors, guided the swimmers through their paces under the supervision of Chris Cicci, sports and aquatics director at the Y.

"Six of the eight lifeguards have been with the Y swimming program for three to four years," Cicci said, "and the newest two lifeguards were trained prior to this year's season. They are a great group of young people, and they really care about the kids."

Classes were initially scheduled for July 18-28, but a problem with the pump at the pool resulted in an adjustment in attendance days. Everything worked out and classes resumed when the equipment was repaired.

This week, children from Christian Child Care are swimming students in the Y program. And the pool will again be teeming with the sound of little creatures working their way across the water.

[By MARLA BLAIR]