April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month is an initiative of U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), and since its inception last year 16 governors have issued proclamations in support. The Local Master’s Swim Committee (LMSC) is hoping Ohio will be among the participating states next year.
“Several people are working to get this started locally,” said Centerville resident Carl Bromer, past chairman of the local committee. “Last year, the national USMS started to emphasize Adult Learn-to-Swim, and our goal is to have a statewide program next year. Thirty percent of the adult population couldn’t swim 25 yards if their lives depended on it.
“Only 10 of the 50 LMSC’s have implemented their programs, and our target is 2016,” Bromer said.
That doesn’t mean that area adults can’t learn to swim this year, as there are adult swim classes available. Dr. Franklin Holley, a Yellow Springs psychiatrist and world champion swimmer who is a member of LMSC, already offers an adult swim clinic at Antioch College’s wellness center.
“We have introductory clinics at Antioch, and I was interested in the initiative, so I took the training with another local person and have certification in Adult Learn-to-Swim,” he said. “We’re just starting to grow the program, but the center at Antioch is open to the public, and adults interested in learning to swim can call Elizabeth Baker, the aquatic director, at 937-319-0100.”
Larry Dryden, executive director of the Dayton YMCA downtown, wasn’t aware of the initiative, but he says, “It’s a great need. We probably have a larger population of adult nonswimmers than we realize, and we need to flush out such a program here.
“In the meantime, people can sign up for individual swim lessons; we don’t have a class on the schedule, but lessons can be arranged through our aquatics director.” Call the Y located at 316 N. Wilkinson St. at 937-228-9622 to set up lessons.
The University of Dayton Recplex offers swim lessons for adults, and classes are open to the public. Residents close to that facility, on the UD campus, can call the center at 937-229-2731.
Although Ohio hasn’t officially proclaimed April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month yet, the LMSC wants to promote awareness of its need. Adults who want to be better prepared for summer water activities should contact their local YMCA, recreation or fitness center for classes or private lessons.
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