SIUC lifeguards are pooling their efforts for the Youth Swim, a program designed to teach area children how to swim.

On Saturday, SIUC students taught 73 children the basic stroke techniques, water friendliness and pool safety in Pulliam Hall pool under the direction of the Office of Intramural and Recreational Sports.

Paul Fawcett, aquatics coordinator of the Youth Swim, said the program, which runs twice every semester, was designed to teach children from 6 months to 18 years how to swim.

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Children needed to learn how to swim because they are surrounded by a series of lakes and water recreations, such as boating, in Southern Illinois, Fawcett said. These kids will be able to save their lives if they know how to swim.

He said the Youth Swim teaches water adjustment to kids ranging from 6 months to three years.

Parents participated in the swimming instruction with their kids, Fawcett said. We also had a half-hour toddler class for 3 and 6-year-olds which had more instructors on hand.

Michelle Johnson, a senior in political science and philosophy from Olney and the on-sight daily supervisor for Youth Swim, said children from 7-18 went through an advanced swim level.

It’s like a workout class, Johnson said. The kids learned how to be competitive.

She said parents were happy to get a closer look at what their children were learning.

Pulliam Hall pool is designed better for swimming lessons than the Rec Center pool because the seating is right next to the pool rather than being up above, Johnson said.

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Fawcett said some Youth Swim instructors teach the lessons because it could benefit them and their career, but there are others who teach because they care.

People like Michelle don’t need to instruct for her major; instead, she does it because she wants the kids to know how to perform a skill that will last a lifetime, he said.

Johnson said if students are interested in teaching or lifeguarding, they could apply at the Aquatics Desk in the Rec Center.

We’re looking for students who want to help children learn how to swim, she said. They don’t need their Water Safety Instructor certification, but they must demonstrate adequate skill and have a good rapport with the kids.

Johnson said being a swimming instructor is gratifying.

It’s great to see them go from not being able to put their face in the water to swimming across the pool, Johnson said.

Anyone interested in learning how to swim can sign up for a five-day session, from Feb. 19 to March 18. The sessions take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon every Saturday. The cost is $30 for the general public and $25 for any student or member of the SIUC Rec Center.