Lake Minnewasta hosted its annual Swim Smart event on Thursday, an event which gave lifeguarding staff at the lake the opportunity to teach the community about safe swimming practices but also have fun while doing so.
Aquatic programmer Sarah Kagan hosted the event, running events all afternoon like a sandcastle building contest, relay races, and lifeguard demos. “Lots of fun, and then you get to learn how to be safe near the water.”
Lake safety tips
As for staying safe while enjoying the lake, Kagan advises swimming with a buddy and staying where you can touch the bottom of the lake without going underwater. Advice for lakegoers?: “If you know you’re not super strong at swimming, then I’d recommend using some of our free life jackets” Kagan shared.
Lifeguard Gus Titchkosky shared that Swim Smart ties together swim safety with water safety, that “...just to raise awareness of the dangers in water and how you can prevent getting hurt or injured.” Lifeguards were available throughout the afternoon and evening to provide demonstrations of lifesaving practices.
Looking to improve swimming skills?
The lake will be far from empty this summer, with various kinds of swimming lessons being taught by staff. “We have lots of swimming lessons coming up,” shared Kagan. “In August, we have our one-on-one swimming lessons... you get to kind of have the instructor to yourself and work on what you need.”
Kagan also encouraged people interested in becoming a lifeguard to enroll in the Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion classes. While it is important work, Kagan shared that “...it’s lots of fun, and then you get to spend your summer outside.”
It’s also never too late to learn how to swim, with adult lessons also being offered this summer. “No matter what skill you are as an adult, if you’re wanting to learn how to swim, or if you already know how to swim and you’d like to work on your technique, we have those on Mondays and Wednesdays.”
For more information about swimming lessons and upcoming events at the lake, you can check out their website.
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