Camp Pendleton kids learn swimming basics

Camp Pendleton parents are resting easier this summer, thanks to Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) kicking off the Learn to Swim program at the 13-area pool last month. Children ages 6 months and up are learning the basics of water safety and survival with the help of skilled life guards and swim instructors.

“We designate the children into groups by ability and then pair them with the appropriate instructor so they learn different skills as they advance to different levels,” said Jessica Swenson, Learn to Swim program coordinator and life guard supervisor for MCCS. “It’s important because statistics show that as long as children know how to swim, staying safe in the water is that much easier.”

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, children ages 1 to 4 are the most susceptible to mishaps. The creators of the Learn to Swim program want to keep kids safe from day one in the water.

“We teach kids to swim at a young age because then they know how to be safe around aquatic facilities and also know how to save themselves or get help in a dangerous situation,” Swenson said.

Parents in attendance said no matter how young the child, being comfortable in the water is the first step on the road to safe swimming in the future.

“It’s important they learn early so it becomes second nature to them,” said Gunnery Sgt. Paul Coy, a Huey and Cobra mechanic, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, and parent to two children attending the program. “It’s one less worry we may have at the beach or later on in life. We can have the confidence that they know what to do in the water.”

With video games galore and hundreds of cable channels to choose from, many children may find themselves glued to the television during the summer vacation months. MCCS swim instructors seek to give kids another outlet and instill healthy recreation habits they can build on.

“I think doing something physical in the sunshine and water is great for them,” Swenson said. “Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to see kids start off very fearful of the water and then see them at the end of a lesson with a smile on their face. Now they can even start thinking about a career as a life guard or learn about a future on a swim team.”

Military parents are frequently deploying, often leaving one spouse at home to care for the well being of the children. Knowing their young ones have more options in the summer they can do safely can make all the difference to a spouse taking on dual responsibilities.

“The families here go through so much with parents and spouses deploying,” Swenson said. “It’s great for us to give back and provide these services because these are all just such special families to us. It’s great to see happy, smiling faces at the end of the day and it seems the parents enjoy watching their kids learn and grow.”

Information on the lessons can be obtained by calling (760) 725-5084.

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