Summer is ready to pounce on the Old Pueblo, and when it does kids and adults alike are going to be looking for places to cool their heels.
Parents wanting to get their children skilled in the ways of the water have a lot of options in Tucson. Swimming lesson providers offer courses for a range of age and skill levels. Classes can be found for big groups, small, semi-private engagements or personalized one-on-one lessons in settings from neighborhood parks to YMCAs to private, state-of-the art indoor pools. Prices are as variable as the sites.
So how can parents make smart decisions about where to seek swimming instruction for their kids?
Billy Sassi, aquatics program manager for Tucson Parks and Recreation, says picking a swim school with a nationally recognized program is a good start. He says the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification is probably the most widely recognized certification for swim instructors and requires about 36 hours of instruction and practice to complete.
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"Ask the swim school what type of curriculum they use and what type of certifications and authorizations and training do the instructors have," Sassi said. "Are they certified in lifeguarding, first aid, CPR and do they have teaching credentials from some nationally accredited program?"
The city is one of the biggest providers of swim lessons, and Sassi warned parents will see an increase in fees, but at $10 for eight lessons, it's still a bargain. Plus, there are new options, like preschool classes for children aged 3 to 5 years.
Other options for parents include four YMCA locations around town with Red Cross-certified instructors, and a host of private swim schools.
Although the Red Cross is the leading name in lifeguard and instructor certification, some schools provide their own training.
Carrie DeMont of DeMont Family Swim School says her school trains instructors in-house and requires a minimum of 40 hours of in-water training.
Laura Kitt-Hailey, director of health and safety services for the Southern Arizona Red Cross, points out that water safety doesn't necessarily end when swimming lessons are over. Arizona has a high rate of child drownings, and parents need to be sure to keep an eye on kids anytime they are around water. "Everybody who is around a pool should be CPR certified."
On StarNet: Check azstarnet.com/online/multimedia for an interactive map of swim-school locations near you and what they have to offer.
Major Tucson swim schools
City of Tucson
Nine locations.
791-4245 or 791-5352.
www.ci.tucson.az.us/parksand rec/aquatics.php
Certification: American Red Cross.
Age: 6 months and up.
Cost: $10 per child for 8 half-hour classes (2 weeks , 4 classes per week); class size dependent on enrollment.
Hours: Call. Varies by location.
DeMont Family Swim School
2850 W. Ina Road, 85741
877-7946
Certifications: In-house certification/40 hours in-water training.
Age: 6 months and up.
Cost: Baby and Me classes for 6-month- to 36-month-old children with adults. Classes once a week for 30 minutes.
$65 per month for group classes of 4 students.
$110 per month for semi-private classes 2 students.
5 percent discount for additional family members.
$30 one-time family registration fee.
Hours: Sunday/Monday closed; Tuesday 9:30-5; Wednesday 9:30-7; Thurs 9:30-6; Fri 9:30-7; Sat 9-1. Year round.
Infant Swimming Resources
3551 E. 32nd St., 85713
572-8865
Certifications: In-house certification/60 hours of training.
Age: 6 months to 6 years.
Cost: $105 national enrollment fee. $75 per week for five 10 minute lessons (Mon-Fri). Multiple-child, military, police/fire discount at $65/ week.
Annual two-week refresher course recommended at same rates with $35 annual registration fee.
Hours: Varies based on instructor availability. Call to schedule a session.
Saguaro Aquatics
2045 W. Omar Drive, 85704
638-8040
Certifications: American Red Cross Lifeguard or Ellis Lifeguard certification plus in-house training.
Age: Infant to adult.
Cost: $25 annual family registration fee. All classes 25-30 minutes.
Commitment of 2 months required. Classes scheduled for weekdays meet twice a week. Weekend classes meet once a week.
Group classes $10 per class, 3:1 student teacher ratio.
Private classes for all ages $36 per class.
Parent and tot classes $25 per month; 6:1 ratio.
Hours: Call. Hours vary. Year round.
Southern Arizona YMCA
Four metro-area locations.
623-5200
Certification: American Red Cross.
Age: 6 months and up.
Cost: Members starting at $20 per half-hour lesson (nonmembers $30).
Five half-hour-lesson package $70 (nonmembers $80).
Ten half-hour-lesson package $110 (nonmembers $120).
Maximum group size 6 students for preschool (3-5 years) and 8 students for youth (6-12 years).
Hours: Call. Varies by location.
Sunshine Swim School
8484 E. Speedway, 85710
886-6005
1850 W. Orange Grove Road, 85704
544-4976
Certification: American Red Cross.
Age: 6 months to 80+.
Cost: $15 annual registration fee.
Class sessions are 25 minutes.
Group lessons - 3 to 4 students per class start at $12 per session, in blocks of four or 10 sessions.
Semi-private - 2 students per class are $18-$23 depending on class time, in blocks of four or 10 sessions.
Private - $36-$45 per session, depending on class time, in blocks of four or 10 sessions.
Hours: 8 am to 8 pm.
Swim Girl
2480 W. Ruthrauff Road, 85705
Sessions at multiple semi-public and private pools.
219-9060
Certifications: American Red Cross.
Age: 6 months to adult.
Cost: Group: 8 half-hour lessons are $75; 16 half-hour lessons are $150; wide range of price options for private and semi-private classes and in-home instruction.
Hours: Call. Varies by location.
Compiled by reporter Clayton R. Norman from information provided by the schools.
Clayton R. Norman is a University of Arizona journalism student apprenticing at the Star. Contact him at 573-4244 or at starapprentice@azstarnet.com