Families in the Rexburg community can register their children for upcoming BYU-Idaho swim lessons at the Hart Pool. The two-week program is open to children ages 3 to 16 and costs $60 per eight-class session for community members and university faculty. Lessons meet four days each week for 30 minutes, with six class times available during each session.

The program, which launched this semester through BYU-Idaho Recreational Services, aims to provide affordable swim instruction while helping children become safer and more confident in the water. Students are grouped into one of four skill levels, ranging from beginners learning basic water comfort to advanced swimmers preparing for competitive strokes. Every class maintains a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio, and all instructors are Red Cross-certified in lifeguarding, CPR, AED, first aid and deep-water rescue.

According to Ainsley Blake, a junior majoring in horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design and architecture and the swim lessons coordinator, the university created the program to serve more families in the Rexburg area.

"We wanted to give an opportunity to the community, to faculty, to pretty much anybody in Rexburg to have an opportunity to do swim lessons," Blake said. "We're trying to offer it year-round to help kids develop swimming skills and abilities they can continue using throughout their lives."

Blake said one of the most rewarding parts of the program has been watching children grow more comfortable in the water and build relationships with their instructors.

"The kids are so excited to come to swim lessons," Blake said. "It makes me happy to see that we can create an environment where they're comfortable learning something new, building confidence and having a positive experience."

Sarah Johnson, whose daughter is enrolled in the program, said the lessons have made a noticeable difference.

"The biggest change has been her confidence," Johnson said. "At first, she was nervous to even put her face in the water. Now she's excited to show us everything she's learned. Seeing her become more confident each week has been really rewarding as a parent."

Johnson said the instructors create a fun environment that keeps children excited to return each week. She also believes swimming is an important life skill that helps children stay safe around water and gives parents greater peace of mind.

Parents and guardians must remain at the Hart Pool throughout each class, and participants should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled lesson. Registration and additional information are available through BYU-Idaho Recreational Services.