The Parks PlayBook: “This summer I did the backstroke”

And you know that's not all…


I did the breast stroke and the butterfly


And the old Australian crawl, the old Australian crawl.



 This summer I did swan dives


And jackknifes for you all


And once when you weren't looking


I did a cannonball, I did a cannonball.

Ah, summer. What could be better than warm sunny days spent watching our children splash around at the pool? Or seeing the smiles on their faces as they go down the slide for the first time. Or make their first big cannonball splash off the diving board. Spending time at the pool is a great family activity during summer vacation.

One of the best gifts you can give your child during this summer vacation is the opportunity to take swimming lessons. At the Des Plaines Park District, we believe all children should learn to swim. Here are five reasons why:

 Swim lessons teach children lifesaving skills: From how to enter the water to pool safety rules, and how to get to the edge of the water safely.

Swim lessons calm fears. Many children are terrified of getting their face wet or putting their head underwater. Swim lessons start with the basics­­– like blowing bubbles in the water–to get children used to having their face near water.

Swimming is a great way to keep kids active over the summer. We’ve all heard the statistics about the increase in childhood obesity across the country. What could be more fun than spending a hot summer day in the water with friends and family? All of that splashing around in the pool is great exercise.                                                                                   

Swim lessons can help kids build confidence. Helping your child learn and master new skills is great for their confidence and self-esteem. Our swim lessons are taught in stages, so with each round a child learns new skills and then graduates to the next level.                                                         Swim lessons can be the start of a new hobby or sport. Lessons aren’t competitive. They are the start of a healthy activity that your child can continue to use as exercise throughout life!

Group Learn to Swim sessions are available for kids, teens, and adults, with special Parent-Tot classes for children six months to three years. Sessions are two weeks long, with classes held Monday–Thursday, at both Chippewa and Iroquois Pool. Classes are 30 minutes for preschool children; 45 minutes long for children ages 6-15. Children registered for West Park Explorers Day Camp and Arndt Park Adventurers Day Camp have the option of signing up for swimming lessons during their camp day, as well. For complete information about times and dates, and a detailed description of each class’s curriculum, see the Summer Spectrum program guide online at www.DPParks.org or pick up a copy in any of our facilities.

Always remember: Nothing can take the place of active adult supervision when you’re at the pool this summer. Our lifeguards are highly trained, but are there to enforce safety rules and respond to emergencies.

For more information about family events, classes, and programs, visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.

See you around the parks!