LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Parks and Recreation Department will team up with the American Red Cross again this summer to offer free swimming lessons on Aug. 19 through 23 for parish youth ages 5 to 17.
Participants will take part in five, 45-minute swimming lessons focusing on floating, kicking, breathing, arm movement and swimming to the side of
the pool. Lessons will be held in the evenings at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and
7 p.m. at Regala Pool, and participants will attend the same session each lesson. Transportation will be provided to and from the program, and pick-up and drop-off locations will be provided upon registering.  
The Ashley Kelly Swim Program gives youth the opportunity to receive life-saving swimming skills and teaches safety in and around swimming pools and other bodies of water. Through the program, certified instructors teach participants water skills through fun activities. “Swimming lessons are an immeasurable gift and provide a foundation for
a lifetime of enjoyment in and around water,” said Parish President Natalie Robottom.
“The Ashley Kelly
Swim Program is designed to help prevent future water-related accidents in our community.”
All interested applicants must register in advance on Monday, Aug. 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Regala Gymnasium, 200 Regala Park Road, Reserve. Enrollment will be limited to the first 150 registrants. For additional information or inquiries, contact Debra Poche in the Department of Parks and Recreation at 985-652-9569.