SVRC Summer Swim Program at Sand Pond

The Sacopee Valley Recreation Center will be holding its summer swim program at Sand Pond in Bladwin. Emily Graham (WSI certified) and Michele Ridley (lifeguard certified) will be instructing. Classes will be Monday and Thursday, July 7 - 31, 2025 (except for 7/24), from 2:00-5:30 p.m. Class days are as 7/7, 7/10,7/14, 7/17, 7/21, 7/28, 7/31.

Registration is on Sunday, May 30, at 7:00 p.m. (not before). The cost for the program is $35 per participant and $30 for siblings.

Register and pay online at www.sacopeerec.com or by phone at (207) 459-9148.

Description of Instruction is as follows:

• Level 4 (1:00-1:45): Stroke Improvement (ages 7-14) - This level is designed for students who are confident swimmers, looking to improve the efficiency of their swim strokes. Students starting this level should be able to perform the front crawl stroke with breathing on the side, comfortably swim backstroke, and backfloat for one minute.

• Level 3 (1:50-2:30): Stroke Development (ages 6-14) - This level is for children who are able to swim roughly 10 yards independently, in water over their heads. We will work toward coordinated arm and leg movements for stroke development, as well as beginning rotary breathing and surface diving.

• Level 2 (2:35-3:15): Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 5-8) - This level is for children who are comfortable moving around in shallow water, including putting their faces in and blowing bubbles (with or without goggles). We will work toward floating and gliding independently, treading watering, coordinating arm and leg movements, and moving safely through the water.

• Level 1a (3:20-3:50): Intro to Water Skills (ages 5-7) - This class is suited for children who are not yet comfortable in the water. We will work toward entering, playing in, and exiting the water safely and comfortably, learning to put their heads underwater without intaking water, and learning basic body positioning for floating and swimming. (Students who will turn 5 before the end of the summer may join this class).

• Adult & Child (3:55-4:25): Preschool (ages 2-4 w/adult caregiver) - This class is suited for preschoolers who are learning to navigate the water safely and comfortably. Through songs, games, and play, students will practice coordinating arm and leg movements and body positions for swimming, as well as blowing bubbles and getting the face wet. Each child must be accompanied in the water by a parent or caregiver.

• Level 1b (4:30-5:15): Beginning Water Skills for Older Students (ages 7-14) - For older elementary or middle school age children who are not yet comfortable in the water. We will work toward comfort with putting their heads underwater, learn body positioning for floating and swimming, and water safety.

• Level 2b (5:15-6:00): Fundamental Aquatic Skills (ages 7-14) - This course is designed for older elementary or middle school age children who are comfortable moving around in shallow water, including putting their faces in and blowing bubbles (with or without goggles), but who are not yet comfortable swimming without floatation. We will work toward floating and gliding independently, treading watering, and basic swimming strokes.

Limited to 48 children with deference to SAD #55 towns.

If cost is an issue, or if you have questions, please call or text LJ at (207) 459-9148.

SVRC would like to thank you for leaving no trace (including contributions from pets) when using the beach and access trail graciously made ready for your use by SVHS seniors and community volunteers.