Swim instructor training course offered soon

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 26-hour course of learning swim stroke mechanics, water safety awareness, child development, learning theory, lesson planning and communications with students and parents.

Swim instructor training, for anyone ages 15 years-old to adult who are both strong swimmers and comfortable in deep water, will be offered starting Friday, March 16, but the deadline to register for the class is March 9.

Participants successfully completing this course will receive a swim instructor certification locally recognized by City of Sandpoint Parks & Rec. and Sandpoint West Athletic Club. This course is taught by professionally certified, highly experienced Water Safety Instructors Ciarra Benton and Deanna Benton.

The classroom sessions are on Fridays, March 16, 23 and 30 from 5-8 p.m. each night, and on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as Saturday, March 24 and 31 from 10 a.m. to noon at Community Hall (204 S. First Street).

In-water practicums are held on Saturdays, March 24 and 31 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. There will also be four additional hours of shadow teaching at the SWAC (1905 Pine St.).

The fee is $75/person, with a minimum of five students required to run the course. Parks and Rec does have partial scholarships for high school age participants. Come to the office (1123 Lake St.) to obtain a scholarship.

Register on-line at www.sandpointidaho.gov/parksrecreation, or at Sandpoint Parks and Rec by Wednesday, March 9 to guarantee your spot.

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