Children in multi-colored swim caps lined up along the edge of the Fort Totten outdoor public pool, waiting to learn how to float on their backs.
“Take a deep breath and spread out like a starfish,” said Mike Wuest, an 18-year-old swim instructor, to a boy with Spongebob swimming trunks. “Awesome! Excellent!” said Wuest, as the boy spread his limbs and began to float on his stomach.
Learning to float is one of the many basic swimming techniques that children are being taught this summer at the Learn to Swim program, which offers free swimming classes at select public pools through the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation.
In addition to Fort Totten, the Learn to Swim program is also taking place at the Astoria Pool, in Astoria Park.
“We learn how to kick, move our arms, and float on our stomach and back,” said Kai Campbell, a 10-year-old student in the class.
Swimming classes are available for ‘tots’ (ages 1 ½ -5) accompanied by a parent. Two different levels of classes are available for older children (ages 6-14), depending on prior swimming experience.
“Swimming is something everybody should know,” said Sarah Hofer, a 22-year-old swim instructor at the pool. “And everybody has the opportunity to swim here, which is great.”
In addition to learning basic swimming techniques, children learn about pool safety. During each class, swim instructors review important pool guidelines, including the importance of using sunscreen, listening to lifeguards and swim instructors and watching out for the safety of other swimmers.
“Be careful of hurting your neighbors [in the pool],” said Lourdes Castellanos, 9, who was attending swimming lessons at the Fort Totten pool for the first time. Castellanos said that she would join the Learn to Swim program again next year.
Parents are also pleased with their children’s swim instruction. “I like the fact that it keeps her active,” said Claude Moyen, 45, whose daughter was still wearing her swimming cap and pink goggles.
However, teaching children to swim is not without its challenges. “It’s really hard to teach children swimming when they are tense,” said Wuest. It is difficult to teach children to be comfortable in the water, he added. Therefore, seeing the children make progress is Wuest’s favorite part of being a swim instructor.
“I like to know that I made a difference,” said Wuest.
Although the first session of swimming classes at Fort Totten has already started, two more sessions will be held this summer.
Session 2
Registration Date: July 23 Classes Run From: July 24 – Aug. 11
Session 3
Registration Date: Aug. 12 Classes Run From: Aug. 13 – Aug. 28
