Erie County Health Dept. launches swim lessons at Sandusky Aquatic Center

A milestone recently occurred for community wellness as the Erie County Health Department, in collaboration with the Sandusky City School District, officially launched its inaugural youth swimming lessons at the Sandusky Aquatic Center, according to a news release.

The partnership leverages the school district’s state-of-the-art facility with the Health Department’s expertise in community programming and safety, the release said.

Currently, the Health Department manages all non-school operations for the center, providing certified lifeguards and a robust schedule of community offerings, including lap swimming, water exercise classes and private rentals for celebrations, according to the release.

The introduction of formal swim lessons underlines the Health Department’s mission to promote physical activity and water safety for the next generation of Sandusky residents, the release said.

“Seeing the first group of children get into the water this week is the culmination of months of planning and coordination,” said Michael Carr, program manager for the Sandusky Aquatic Center, in the release. “Our goal is to transform the (Sandusky Aquatic Center) into a true community hub where every resident, regardless of age, feels confident and safe in the water.

“These lessons are just the beginning of that vision.”

The curriculum focuses on fundamental water skills, stroke development and safety techniques, according to the release.

“Water safety is a vital public health skill, especially in a lakeside community like ours,” said Eliot Dyer, public health educator and swim instructor, in the release. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the kids’ faces light up as they gain confidence.

“We aren’t just teaching them how to swim; we’re giving them a skill that promotes lifelong health and prevents future accidents.”

The Erie County Health Department is committed to maintaining a consistent rotation of swim levels and sessions throughout the year. Information regarding future lesson blocks, registration deadlines and other community programming will be released seasonally, the release said.

For more information on upcoming swim lessons, water aerobics or facility rentals, contact Carr, mcarr@echdohio.org at the Erie County Health Department or via the Sandusky Aquatic Center’s administrative office.