The City of Idaho Falls is providing free swimming instruction to local children this Saturday as part of an annual community water safety initiative.
The Wes Deist Aquatic Center will host its yearly free swim lessons event on May 9, offering 25-minute instructional sessions to youngsters ages 3 through 13 at no charge. The program aims to give area youth access to essential water safety skills in a supervised environment.
Certified Instructors and Skill Assessments
American Red Cross-certified instructors will teach the sessions, covering swimming techniques from basic water introduction to more advanced skills. Participants will be grouped according to ability level, with instruction tailored to each child’s current swimming proficiency.
Each child attending the free lessons will receive a placement card showing their assessed swim level. Parks and Recreation officials said these assessments will help parents identify appropriate classes when registering for future lessons.
Registration Requirements and Restrictions
Registration is mandatory for the event, and space is limited. City officials are encouraging families to sign up early as time slots fill quickly.
Children must meet specific age requirements for different lesson categories. Those registering for Preschool Level instruction must be at least 3 years old, while Learn to Swim Level sessions require participants to be at least 6 years old.
Each participant may take only one free lesson. Parents or guardians must stay inside the facility during their child’s instruction time. Children who are 3 years old must wear a swim diaper regardless of potty-training status.
Early Access to Summer Programs
Families who participate in the free lesson event will receive priority registration access for the aquatic center’s summer swim lesson programs and the Surfer Swim Team before these offerings open to the general public.
Registration can be completed through multiple channels. Families may sign up online through the city’s recreation portal, by calling the aquatic center at 208-612-8519, or in person at the facility located at 149 7th Street in Idaho Falls.
What Comes Next
The free swim lessons represent the aquatic center’s preparation for the summer season. Following this introductory event, the facility will open registration for its full schedule of paid swim instruction and competitive swim team programs. Parents whose children participate Saturday will have first opportunity to reserve spots in those programs before they become available to other families.