Swim instructor training class offered in Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Learning to swim and be safe in the water is one of the most valuable lifetime skills a person can have.

Become one of the promoters of water safety and swimming through a 24-hour course of learning swim stroke mechanics, water safety awareness, child development, learning theory, lesson planning, and communications with students/parents.

Swim Instructor training is open to anyone 15 year-olds and up who are both strong swimmers and comfortable in deep water. Participants must attend all sessions listed below to complete the course. This course is taught by professionally certified, highly experienced, Water Safety Instructors Ciarra Benton and Deanna Benton.

Participants successfully completing this course will receive a swim instructor certification locally recognized by City of Sandpoint Parks and Rec and the Sandpoint West Athletic Club.

The classroom sessions will all be held at Community Hall (204 S. First St.) on the following dates: Friday, April 27 from 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 29 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 12 from 3:30–5:30 p.m.

The in-water sessions will be held at SWAC (1905 Pine Street) on Sunday, April 29 from 1–3 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 from 1–3 p.m. There is also shadow teaching, from April 30 through May 11, with four additional hours scheduled with an instructor.

Fees for the course are $75/person. A minimum of five students are required to run the course. Parks & Rec has partial scholarships for high school age participants.

The registration deadline is Monday, April 23. Register online at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation or in person at Sandpoint Parks & Recreation (1123 Lake St.).

For more information, call (208) 263-3613.