By: Derrick Thomas

The month of May served as a new frontier for the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, as it hosted its first pilot swim lesson program for the fourth and fifth graders of Ellwood Christian Academy.

The program was a success, and the YMCA is now prepared to provide swimming lessons for the Selma City School System.  Their mission is to teach every fourth grader in the city school system how to swim.

These swimming lessons will be incorporated into their curriculum, and will last for two weeks during the school year.

Denisha Hendricks, Executive Director of the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, is pleased with the collaboration between the YMCA and city schools.

“I absolutely feel wonderful about it,” Hendricks said. “We piloted the program this spring and they went very well. Lessons were learned.”

Hendricks served as an instructor alongside the program director and one of the lifeguards.

Hendricks views the program as a great way to reconnect with the YMCA’s notable swimming history and give back to the community.

“We have a history of being sure that our community learns how to swim in Selma,” she said.

To celebrate the conclusion of pilot swim lessons, a party was thrown for the children who attended, and scholarships for the YMCA’s summer program were also distributed.

“It’s been great to see the little light in a child’s eye. Now, kids who couldn’t swim, can,” Hendricks said.

The YMCA also plans to have summer swim lessons for both youths and adults.

The price for the youths and adults who are a member of the YMCA is $45, while price for non-members is $65.  The payment covers 8 lessons.

Private swim lessons are $75 for members, and $95 for non-members.

The staff will consist of trained lifeguards, ranging from high school students to adults.

Registration for these lessons can be done at any time during the summer, however, once autumn begins, fewer time slots will be available.

In addition to summer swimming lessons, the YMCA will be holding a summer camp program and will provide financial assistance to parents and children depending on their monthly income.

For more information on the summer swimming lessons and summer camp, contact the YMCA at (334) 874-9622.