For many people, summertime in Mississippi includes lots of fun in and on the water. One of Vicksburg’s most popular programs is back to teach them how to do it safely.

Vicksburg City Pool will once again hold its American Red Cross “Learn to Swim” program in June and July. The program offers low-cost swim lessons for children — and adults — that teach them basic swimming skills.

“Our main objective is water safety and teaching kids and adults to be safe around the water,” said City Pool manager Sylvia Gurtowski, who oversees the program.

Although the lessons don’t start until June, registration will be over a three-day period in May at the City Park Pavilion adjacent to City Pool on Lee Street. Registration sessions on May 14-16 will go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Another on Saturday, May 17, will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

The cost for each two week session is $15 and is payable by cash or check only. Registration must be done in person, and because of limited space and high demand — especially for the beginner and children’s classes — early registration is encouraged.

“Most people want the lower levels, 1 and 2, and that fills up the quickest. We don’t want anybody disappointed,” Gurtowski said. “We start at 10, and there are people that start lining up at 8 with their lawn chairs. I hate to see them sitting in the sun, but it does make me feel good that they think enough of the program and their children to do that.”

The Learn to Swim program uses a level-based system starting at Level 1 (beginners) through Level 6 (advanced). Students must be at least 5 years old and able to stand comfortably in the shallow area of the pool.

In addition to the Levels courses, Vicksburg City Pool will offer 3 and 4 year old lessons and Beginning Adult lessons. All classes are taught by certified Water Safety Instructors.

Although the classes are most popular with children, Gurtowski said adults are also welcome and encouraged to participate. There is no age limit for the program.

“That is a very popular program” Gurtowski said. “We encourage adults to go to the levels classes that coincide with their level. It’s usually 3 or 4. We’ve had some that go all the way to Level 6.”

Classes are taught in eight 45-minute periods spread over two-week sessions. Three sessions will be taught throughout the summer and classes will be held Monday through Friday. There will be morning classes as well as an evening class in each session.

For the 3- and 4 year-olds classes, a parent or adult guardian is required to be in the water with each child.

Appropriate swimsuits are mandatory to be in the pool. No T-shirts, play clothes or undergarments are allowed as swimwear.

The summer Learn to Swim session schedule is as follows:

Session 1: June 2-13
• 10-10:45 a.m. – Levels 1-3
• 11-11:45 – Levels 4-6
• 5:45-6:30 p.m. -Levels 1-3 and Beginning Adults

Session 2: June 23 – July 4
• 10-10:45 a.m. – Levels 1-3
• 11-11:45 a.m. – Levels 4-6
• 5:45-6:30 p.m.- Level 1, Levels 4-6, 3- and 4-year olds and Beginning Adults

Session 3: July 14-25
• 10-10:45 a.m. – Levels 1-3
• 11-11:45 a.m. – Levels 4-6
• 5:45-6:30 p.m. – Levels 1-3, 3- and 4-year-olds and Beginning Adults