The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the YMCA, is pleased to announce the return of free swimming lessons for county youth and seniors. Children/participants must reside in low-income households, they must check off one of the qualifying criteria and provide proof with their enrollment: QCT, TANF, SNAP, NSLP, SBP, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start and Early Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women (WIC), Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, and Pell Grants or be the age of 65 and above.
“Water safety is a vital tool that every person should have, especially our children and senior citizens,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “These two groups of people are most at risk for drowning incidents, and it is the number one cause of death in children ages 1-4 years old. These free classes will empower them to have a safe and healthy summer, and will give everyone the knowledge and practice needed to stay safe near water. Our senior swimming exercises lessons not only give our elderly population a chance to exercise in a low-impact environment, but allows them a chance to socialize in our spacious county pool. I urge everyone from our youth and senior populations to take advantage of these lessons.”
Swimming lessons will take place at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool at 3 Parkway Drive in Rahway. A variety of courses have been designed for both children and senior citizens:
Class Descriptions
Classes will meet once a week for 8 weeks with a ratio of 1 instructor per six students. Thursday classes will meet once a week for 7 weeks due to the July 4th Holiday.
Youth Beginner
Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
Youth Basic Lesson
Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages through stroke technique in front crawl and back crown while also introducing rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and rolling to their back to float.
Senior Adult Lesson
Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice safety skills like rolling to their backs and floating.
Senior Water Exercise
Participants engage in exercise through low impact movements while focusing on muscle toning and cardio endurance. This is especially helpful for those seeking the ability to exercise without jarring their joints.