July 17, 2025 The Beacon • 23

By Josie Sellers Beacon Editor

This summer between 150 and 200 children are improving their swimming skills and ability to be safe around the water, thanks to volunteers.

Coshocton County Kids Safety and Swim is currently holding swim lessons for children age 6 and up at Lake Park Aquatic Center.

“ We offer beginner classes up to life guarding classes,” Angie Moses from Coshocton County Kids Safety and Swim said.“ We have so many ponds, rivers and streams around here that it’ s really important for kids to know how to be safe around water. A lot of people kayak, canoe and float the rivers here. People need to know how to swim if they ever find themselves in a predicament in the middle of a river.”

Ten-year-old Wyatt Troyer signed up for classes to make sure he knows how to swim well. He was practicing in the deep end of the pool during the July 10 lessons and said this year he’ s learned the back crawl and front crawl.

Josie Sellers

Sophia Richter’ s group took a break from lessons to pose for a picture.

Cyanna West is 13 and also was working on her skills in the deep end of the pool.

“ I want to get better and improve myself,” she said.“ I enjoy swimming. Sometimes it can be loud, but it also can be quiet and relaxing.”

Moses is appreciative of those who volunteer and attend the lessons.

“ There is a registration fee of $ 60 per child, and that helps keep our program going,” she said.“ It helps with insurance, training and supplies. We have to have our own insurance because this program is separate from Lake Park.”

Two young ladies helping with lessons this year are Sophia Richter and Lily Edwards.

“ I do leadership at school, and this is a good way to get community service hours,” Richter said.

Edwards’ grandmother Mary Lou Heller is a longtime swimming volunteer instructor.

“ I like trying to make them improve and show them what they can do to improve,” Edwards said.

There are 10 levels of

Josie Sellers Torey Reed was one of several instructors who volunteered their time at swim lessons.

swimming lessons and a class for students with special needs. These lessons will be offered Monday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 1 at Lake Park

• Landscaping Pavers

• Concrete Blocks

• Old Concrete

• Sandstone

• Old Silos

Aquatic Center. There are still a few spots open. The cost is $ 40 per individual. Any age is welcome, but individuals must have an adult in the water with

BEFORE them for the entirety of the classes.

Paperwork can be filled out the day of. To register, text Jen Jones with ASK Autism at 740-502-1664.

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