Swimming lessons at the 'Y' may save lives

Kids are vulnerable to water despite the belief that children have a natural tendency to swim if they fall in a pool.

But that’s a misconception that can lead to deadly results.

Not all pools are the same and neither are kids, which is why the Bonita Springs YMCA is teaching children ages six months to 12 to swim.

“From the beginning, we just introduce them to the water and make them comfortable,” said Donald Quiggle, aquatics and sports program director at the YMCA.

He teaches the half-hour classes with the help of other instructors who work with the younger babes.

“They have to get past that fear and the mental block they have,” Quiggle said.

The mental block can be a big one for some, but Quiggle has structured the classes based on a child’s age and level of comfort in the water.

The classes for children 6 months to 22 months are taught with parents in the pool and kids 3 to 12 years old take the classes alone.

“In Florida, there are outdoor pools everywhere and it’s important the kids are comfortable if any accident may occur,” Quiggle said.

Alison Spencer has watched her son Christian, 5, from the pool deck during several of his classes.

“It’s a fun summer activity and he can learn movements and he can wade in the water,” Spencer said. Her son has attended the last two sessions at the Y. “I wanted him to learn to swim and do the styles of swimming.”

Christian got that chance during a recent class in which he practiced his stroke and breathing using a floating device.

“We go as high as them learing the swimming strokes but they don’t compete here,” Quiggle said.

During the class, Quiggle also teaches kids how to put on a life vest and how to use it in the water.

Jonathan Munoz, 5, of San Carlos Park, put on a life vest and jumped in the water.

“It seemed like a good place to put him. He learns a lot and the YMCA programs are good,” said Leticia Munoz, Jonathan’s mom.

Summertime presents unique challenges for kids because they are more exposed to water activities than at other times of the year.

That’s why Quiggle focuses so heavily on swimming to the edge of the pool if kids fall in.

“It’s the summer and there are so many activities with the pool and it’s important that they know what to do,” he said.
Eileen Brower of North Naples brought her son Preston, 5, to the class.

Preston did swimming courses last year, but his mom wanted him to brush up on his skills.

“They do a really good job so I brought him back. They are so friendly and helpful,” Brower said. “I want him to swim and be safe in the water.”