Writer / Erik Fedje, LNHS swimmer
Swimming has always been considered one of the best all-around exercise choices. It is a lifelong activity and many adults swim for fun, fitness or competition, reaping the benefits of prolonged life, lower cholesterol, increased muscle tone and a host of other positives.
Knowing how to swim is an important life skill. Not knowing how to swim can be a safety issue around pools, lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water. The director of Lawrence Swim Team’s Learn-to-Swim program, Martha Koen, feels the basic skill of swimming is important for people of all ages to prevent accidents.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death in many states so learning to swim can save your life,” Koen said. She added the drowning rates are five times higher for African-Americans and three times higher for Hispanics.
The Lawrence Swim Team (LST) has Learn-to-Swim programs for all ages. Participants learn how to float, tread water and do basic strokes. Many of the sessions are taught by older members of LST who are trained instructors. Participants pay per session with two sessions recommended per week; you may attend any of the four weekly scheduled sessions. Classes are held in the natatorium at Lawrence North High School. Tom Burchill, the coach of both the Lawrence North High School swim team as well as the higher-level club team, hopes to attract as many young swimmers to the program as possible to strengthen the higher level teams.
“The more athletes in the youth program, the more experienced athletes in LN’s swimming program,” Burchill said. “The swimmers are already fast and come in with big dreams, eager to improve.”
Lawrence parent Max Mouser’s three daughters learned to swim through the program.
“We have a lake cabin and wanted to make sure they were safe around the water,” Mouser said.
Many children who participate in the Learn-to-Swim program move on to the competition team, but this is not a requirement. The competition team participates in one to two meets per month October – February as well as during the summer. Swimmers may participate at divisional, state, regional and national meets if they excel at their age level. Several club swimmers also participate on local high school swim teams including Chatard, Cathedral, Heritage Christian, Lawrence Central and Lawrence North.
Adults are also welcome to participate in the Learn-to-Swim program or the LST Masters program. There is also water polo on Saturday afternoons. For more information about the Masters program or water polo contact Kris Houchens at krishouchens@hotmail.com.
Lawrence Swim Team is hosting their second annual Splash & Dash on Sunday, April 19, at Lawrence North to increase awareness of the swim programs and to promote fitness. The event is an aquathlon consisting of swimming and running.
Jill Dempsey, Splash & Dash chair commented, “It’s a fun event for someone wanting to try a triathlon and a good training opportunity for experienced triathletes preparing for triathlon season.”
For more information on the Splash & Dash or to register, please visit lawrencesplashanddash.com. The Lawrence Swim Team website can be found at lawrenceswimteam.org.
Participation Numbers
Learn-to-Swim – currently 50-60 students with 100+ in the summer
Competition Team – currently around 100
Masters Program – currently 30-40 adults
