Conner Irvin, 3, and his father, Jim, join Mallary Bowman, 3, and her mother, Susan, in a "swimming" exercise. The activity, in which parents support their child while encouraging him or her to kick, is part of the Tiny Tots swim program headed by Mike Creason at Western Carolina University. Tiny Tots is open to children ages 1 to 5, with separate classes for the 1- to 3-year-olds and 3- to 5-year-olds. - Herald photo by Virginia Culp |
"It's been real rewarding," Director Mike Creason said of his Tiny Tot swim program .
According to Creason, the program, which is open to children ages 1 to 5, improves motor skills, safety, well-being, self-esteem and physical fitness. "It's therapeutic, too," he added, "and it gives parents and children special time together. That's important." Through Tiny Tots, young children learn to be comfortable in and under the water, which lays the groundwork for future swim lessons. A Youth Swim program for children 6 and older continues Creason's approach to child swimming, teaching seven levels of swim instruction plus an "exceptional swim" session. According to Creason, children who have been through the Tiny Tot and Youth Swim programs often outperform older children who have participated in some other form of instruction. Western Carolina University's Division of Continuing Education and Summer School sponsors both programs. Creason, who is the primary instructor, is Red Cross certified to teach infants and children. He began leading the programs 15 years ago and has made it a popular summer activity among parents and their young children. The Tiny Tot sessions last for two weeks during the summer and cost $25. Creason pointed out that comparable programs may cost twice as much and do not last as long. Classes are limited to 25 members and meet Monday through Friday evenings at Breese Pool on the WCU campus. |