The YMCA in Silver Spring will once again offer free swimming lessons this summer. The chapter received a grant from YUSA. The money can fund up to 150 swimmers. However, youngsters have to apply for the free lessons. Bill Kuster is the Association Director of Aquatics for the Silver Spring chapter. He said children who never had a previous swim lesson and have a dedicated need are eligible to apply.
Last year, the YMCA offered first-time lessons to 110 children through the grant.
“The grant is open to anyone in the region who would meet the criteria. Sessions will begin at the end of June. Interested families should contact Aleksandar Milojkovic. He is the YMCA Silver Spring Aquatics Director,” Kuster said.
People also can apply in-person at the YMCA’s facility at 9800 Hastings Drive in Silver Spring.
YMCA Other Swim Opportunities
The YMCA also offers other swim programs for members throughout the summer. Last year, the group had more than 2000 people participate in its various classes:
They include:
- Aquatics learn to swim camps for ages 4-17
- Aquatics swim lessons for all age groups babies, children, teens and adults; group and private lessons are available
- Aquatics safety around water demos free to members
- Lifeguard and CPR certification classes for ages 16 and up
- Water Aerobics programs free to members
- Lap and Recreational, and Family Swim every day at all times
County Recreation Department Offerings
Meanwhile, the Montgomery County Recreation Department (MCRD) also offers a host of swimming activities during the summer and year round. The County normally has 5 Aquatic Centers open, but this summer, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver Aquatic Center in North Bethesda remains closed for renovations. The County also has 7 outdoor pools.
Financial Assistance and Grant Money
While the County does not offer free swim lessons to those in need, it does offer financial help to families for swimming and other activities. The Rec Assist Fund is available for up to 12 months from January 1 through December 31 or until the fund is depleted. Eligible applicants will receive $400 to use for County Recreation activities. The funds are only available on a first come, first served basis. People must apply. Here is more information on Rec Assist.
Besides Rec Assist, the County received a grant this summer to help reduce the cost of swim lessons for people 14 years and older. Participants will pay $6 for a lesson. The lessons will take place at the Long Branch Outdoor Pool at 8700 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring and Upper County Outdoor Pool at 8211 Emory Grove Road in Gaithersburg. Spots are still available if people want to sign up. People interested should contact the County’s Aquatic Centers at 240-777-6860.
“We encourage people of all ages to sign up for swim lessons because you’re never too young or too old to learn this essential lifesaving skill,” said Montgomery County Recreation Aquatics Manager, Carrie Headen.
“Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned swimmer, Montgomery County Recreation Department (MCRD) offers a wide range of Aquatics programs year-round for all skill levels. For those trying to stay active, our popular water fitness classes are a great way to build cardiovascular endurance and strength in a low-impact manner, she tells MCM.”
Water Safety Days
MCRD will sponsor Water Safety Days at each of its outdoor pools. Members of the Aquatics team will teach people how to be safe in, on, and around the water. Participants will learn about different safety skills, personal floatation devices, how to apply sunscreen, and how to protect yourself and family members around different bodies of water.
Here are the locations and dates for the Water Safety Days:
- Sarah E. Auer Western County Outdoor Pool, Thursday June 26, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Bethesda Outdoor Pool, Wednesday July 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Sergeant Hector I. Ayala Wheaton/Glenmont Outdoor Pool, Wednesday July 9, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Outdoor Pool, Wednesday July 16, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Germantown Outdoor Pool, Thursday July 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Upper County Outdoor Pool, Wednesday July 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Long Branch Outdoor Pool, Thursday July 31 1:30-3:30 p.m.
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