Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Dept. Offers Summer Water-Activity Programs

The Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Department is offering a range of aquatic programs for people of all ages at more than 50 city pools that are open for the summer. Swimming, canoeing, diving, sailing and water polo are among the choices.

Swimming classes, using Red Cross Water Safety standards, are offered for pre-schoolers, children, teens, adults and people with physical and mental disabilities. These classes cost $10.25. For the first time, the Amateur Athletic Foundation will provide scholarships for youngsters who can’t afford the classes.

Boating programs include small-craft safety, basic canoeing and sailing, intermediate and advanced sailing and basic kayaking.

Also offered are a number of competitive team water sports including swim teams, synchronized swimming, springboard diving, water polo and inner-tube water polo.

And there are also lifeguard programs. The Junior Lifeguard program, aimed at young people and future lifeguards, teaches aquatic skills. The Lifeguard Training Program is for teens and adults preparing for employment and offers certification in such fields as advanced lifesaving, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and water safety.

In addition, the department offers a variety of fitness programs for adults such as lap swimming and water exercise classes.

For information call regional aquatics offices: Metro region, (213) 485-5559; Pacific region, (213) 485-2844; or Valley region, (818) 989-8859.