By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
School’s out, the sun’s up, and it’s swimming season again at the Darlington City Pool.
June 19 was opening day for the 2018 summer session. Dozens of local kids enjoyed a dip in the cool water, and many took part in free swimming lessons offered during opening week. The lessons were sponsored by the City of Darlington, Darlington Area Recreation, and the YMCA of the Upper Pee Dee.
“We want children to learn to swim, and this is an opportunity to provide all kids the chance to take swimming lessons,” said swim teacher Lillian Brunson. “I believe with my whole heart that swimming is one of the most wonderful things there is. You need it to stay safe, certainly, but it’s also a good social activity and excellent whole-body exercise for all ages.”
The three-day swim lesson camp put about 15 volunteers to work helping kids aged 5 to 18 learn swimming techniques, beginning with basics like holding your breath underwater, and gradually moving up to more advanced deep water swim tests.
“The goal is to have as many kids as possible pass the swim test so they can be deemed water-safe and can swim in the pool wherever they want,” said Brunson, noting that kids will be given arm bands each time they visit, color-coded to indicate whether they are swimmers or non-swimmers. Non-swimmers will be limited to the shallow end of the pool and the kiddie pool area.
Brunson stressed that swimming can be learned at any age, and it can be especially beneficial to those who suffer joint pain when attempting impactful exercise. Anyone interested in taking swimming lessons can call her to learn more at 843-393-7233.
City Pool operations are being conducted this summer by a professional contractor, Poolwerx of Florence. In years past, the Darlington Police Department was responsible for operating the pool but Darlington City Council voted last year to end that relationship. The city is paying Poolwerx approximately $15,000 to run the pool for the season. The Darlington City Pool will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. through the end of August. Admission is $2 per day.