Registration for swimming lessons opens on Monday

Limited scholarships available for children 6 months to 5 years of age

The Yuma Parks and Recreation Department will begin registration for swimming lessons on Monday, May 13, with 111 scholarships available for Yuma County residents 6 months to 5 years of age.

With summer right around the corner, Parks and Recreation is gearing up for swim season by opening registration for swimming lessons on Monday, May 13. Classes will begin Monday, June 3, at Marcus Pool, 545 W. 5th St., and Carver Pool, 1250 W. 5th St. The cost for lessons is $28 for residents within Yuma city limits and $42 for non-residents.

To assist with the cost of swimming lessons, the Yuma County Health Services District has offered 111 scholarships to Yuma County residents. These scholarships are on a firstcome, first-served basis and only apply to the Guppy/turtle (6 months to 3 years of age) and Starfish (3 to 5 years of age) swimming lessons.

“Anytime you have something as important as swim lessons, you never want cost to be a barrier,” shared Ryan Butcher, communications and community engagement coordinator for the Yuma County Public Health Services District. “Swim lessons are not just about learning a new skill, but a vital piece in ensuring your child’s safety around water. We trust the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and amazing swim instructors the City of Yuma has to offer.”

According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, formal swimming lessons can help reduce drowning by 88% for children ages 1-4. In addition, swimming lessons are one of the 5 layers of protection, along with barriers and alarms, supervision, life jackets, and emergency preparation that the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance continues to share in its public messaging to support water safety and drowning prevention awareness.

“Summer and water go hand in hand and when people think of summer they think of swimming pools, backyard barbecues, beaches and vacation. Most people don’t think of the potential life-threatening hazard any body of water can impose on what was supposed to be a fun day,” said Parks and Recreation Manager A.J. Mosqueda. “We want families to enjoy those summer rites of passage but want them to do so armed and prepared. Swimming lessons, often and early, help children and families with the tools they need to make better decisions in and around water.”

For scholarship information or to register for swimming lessons, visit the Parks and Recreation Department located on the first floor of City Hall or call 928-373-5200.

For more information about water safety and the GYWSA, visit yumaaz.gov/ watersafety.