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City's aquatics program attracts 368 participants
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The city of Ceres is in the midst of its aquatics program with two more sessions of swimming lessons coming up before the kids head back to school.

Through a joint use agreement with the Ceres Unified School District, the city is offering swim lessons at the Ceres High School pool, as well as the Junior Lifeguard program, aquatic camp, Aquasize and open swim sessions.

So far the aquatics program has served 368 registered participants, said Traci Dayton-Farris, a recreation coordinator with the city of Ceres.

"We just completed our first session of swim lessons with 178 participants," said Dayton-Farris, "and an aquatic camp with 12 participants."

The second session of swimming lessons has been running since July 7 and ends on Thursday. A total of 155 children enrolled in the current session of lessons.

The third session runs July 21-31. Lessons are for children and adults, ages 6 months and up. Each session consists of eight classes, which meet Monday through Thursday, for two weeks. Cost is $40.

Farris said that the Junior Lifeguard program has seven participants ranging from 11- to 15-year-old. The program gives hands-on experience in all areas of lifeguard skills. The class is being held Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until July 31.

Two more sessions of Aquatic Camp - designed for children who are at least 5 years of age Level I graduates - are coming up. The next session will be held July 28 to August 1 and the last August 4-8. Children will explore the world of aquatics through games, relays, and crafts. Water safety skills is taught during the camp. The cost to participate is $75 and includes a camp T-shirt. Children must provide their own sack lunch.

The city has enjoyed overwhelming success in its Aquasize classes for adults, especially the elderly. The seven-week class is full with 16 participants who gather for an hour on Mondays and Wednesdays for low-impact water aerobics. The class ends on July 30. Farris said that participants use water resistance to stretch and tone muscles while minimizing aches and pains and the potential for injury.

The city is still offering open swim on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, August 8. Cost is $2 per child and $2.50 per adult. Children 12 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

For classes, there are three ways to register:

• In person at 2720 Second Street;

• Online at www.ci.ceres.ca.us;

• Calling Traci Farris at 538-5682 for more information.