LEWISTON — Registration is open for YWCA American Red Cross swim lessons beginning the week of Feb. 26.

Lessons include: Parent and Child, Preschool (ages 3-5) levels 1, 2, 3; Beginner Levels 1, 2; Advanced Beginner Level 3; Intermediate Levels 4, 5, 6; and Adult Beginner.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for kids under the age of 14. The six-week session will end in time for summer swimming.

Details of times and levels (1-6) may be found on the YWCA website, www.ywcamaine.org or by calling the YWCA at 207-795-4050.

The YWCA of Central Maine American Red Cross lifeguard training-blended learning format allows participants 15 years of age and older to become a certified lifeguard in time for spring employment.

Course dates are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 21, 22 and 23. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, Feb. 7. Cost is members, $150; nonmembers,$175. Space is limited.

Participants will spend 10 to 12 hours working at their own pace online, then go in and demonstrate skills learned for prevention and rescue of swimmers, including providing the emergency skills of first aid and CPR. Prerequisites include completion of a 300-yard swim, treading water and timed deep water object removal. All components are valid for two years.

Lifeguards Nancy Lizotte and Anthony Blasi are pictured. The YWCA has announced upcoming swimming programs.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: