Island Rec is taking registrations for swimming lessons, which begin in February.  Classes span age and skill levels from infants as young as six months accompanied by a  parent where the focus is on being safe and comfortable in the water to advance classes where older children refine their swimming stroke skills.

“Learning to swim is a basic skill that opens the door to enjoying a lifetime of other recreational pursuits and is especially important to children who live on an island”, stated Sally Thomsen, Island Rec’s recreation director.

Thomsen who grew up on an island near the Chesapeake Bay, a former Water Safety Instructor, lifeguard and overall water sport enthusiast she knows first hand the benefits of learning to swim.

Island Rec has been providing swimming lessons to island children for over two decades by contracting with San Juan Island Fitness and pays nearly 50% of the cost charged by San Juan Island Fitness to keep the fees paid by families between $30 and $35 per session.  Additional discounts are available from Island Rec for income eligible families.

For details about the classes go to www.islandrec.org, stop by Island Rec at 580 Guard Street or call 378-4953, Monday – Friday  between 1-5 p.m.