Youth making a big splash in summer aquatics program

Local youth learn to develop valuable skills in the City of Menifee's summer aquatics program.

By Sydney Woodley, Correspondent

Menifee’s aquatics program is making waves at Paloma Valley High School. This summer, the school’s new pool has become a hub of excitement, learning, and water safety, drawing in children who want to learn how to swim.

The summer program offers three two-week sessions of 30-minute group swim classes held Monday through Thursday.

One of the standout features of the program is its Learn-to-Swim classes. Designed for young swimmers, ages 5-17, these classes maintain a small instructor-to-student ratio of 1:6 to ensure that each child receives personalized attention and guidance, fostering a safe and effective learning environment.

“Our biggest priority is water safety and drowning prevention,” Phil Southard, public information and legislative affairs officer, said. “This year, we currently only offer group lessons to maximize the amount of youth we can help develop elementary swimming skills.”

The curriculum is broken up into five different levels, focusing on distinct skills. Level One is about water exploration, introducing students to the water to make them feel comfortable.

Level Two is the primary level that attempts to develop gliding and floating without assistance and building basic arm and leg actions.

Level Three expands to proficient swimming, where the learner will develop techniques such as scissor kick, dolphin kick, and elementary backstroke.

Level Four is about building confidence and endurance and improving stroke techniques.

Lastly, Level Five focuses on refining previously learned strokes and introduces advanced moves, such as flip turns and surface dives.

Water safety instructors examine swimmers during each lesson to make sure they are progressing appropriately. By the second week, staff will decide whether a child should graduate to a higher ability level or stay at their present level for the next session.

Following final assessments, students receive a completion card to indicate the level they completed and celebrate their achievements.

The future goal for the City’s aquatics program is to expand its offerings, contingent on the availability of resources and staffing such as drowning prevention.

The pool is also open for recreational swimming Monday through Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Use fee is $2 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.

To register for the swim classes, visit the City’s website here.