Hughes urges people to learn to swim
By Terry Murry on Monday, July 1st, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Pendleton Aquatic Center lifeguards are constantly busy. Parks and Recreation Director Liam Hughes says they shouldn’t be as busy as they are. He said their purpose should be to aid swimmers who get injured or get into unexpected trouble, not rescue people who don’t know how to swim.
“Our lifeguards go in over and over again to assist people who can’t swim,” he said. “That’s one of the things that’s a real challenge, because that’s 100 percent avoidable.”
The Pendleton Aquatic Center offers group and private swim lessons as do other municipal pools throughout the region. Some facilities also have financial aid available for low-income residents and some school districts offer free water safety classes.
The American Red Cross conducted a survey that found 54 percent of Americans lack swimming skills. Those who can’t swim are strongly advised to wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life vest, restrict themselves to the shallow end, and be sure to be within arms reach of an adult who can swim.
File photo of Hermiston’s second-grade swim lessons
