Albuquerque offers free swim lessons for first time

Suit up and dive in Albuquerque. It’s time for a swim lesson.

The city of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the World Waterpark Association and the Albuquerque Metropolitan Drowning Prevention Coalition to provide more than 400 free swimming lessons for residents on Thursday as part of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event.

Albuquerque is one of hundreds of cities across the world that are taking part.

“Learning to swim is an essential life-saving skill that will benefit and ultimately save someone’s life in water,” said Julia Romero, swim lesson coordinator for the city.

Although New Mexico is ranked 49th in the country for water area, it’s ranked 11th in childhood drowning statistics, and drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 according to Romero. According to a news release sent by the city of Albuquerque, over 56% of Americans do not know how to swim and do not have basic swimming skills.

“This statistic is really alarming. We have a much higher drowning rate than places with large waterfronts like Florida or Arizona,” Romero said. “I think our statistics speak loudly, and the reality is, it only takes 2 inches of water for someone to have an aquatic incident, especially our children.”

Romero created the swim lessons for the event, which vary depending on which session participants sign up for. The lessons will be in a group setting in 30-minute sessions. Locker505 is partnering with PRD to give away free swimsuits to anyone who needs one.

As part of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, Parks and Rec will offer the following swim classes from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Mesa Aquatic Center, 6705 Fortuna NW:

• Introduction to floating: Ages 3-5
• Floating and gliding: Ages 6-14
• Introduction to freestyle: Ages 6-14
• Introduction to swimming for adults: 15 and older.

“Adults have huge emotional barriers that they’re overcoming while learning,” Romero said. “A lot of them have experienced trauma in the water, which has caused them not to learn. This will help them learn the basics and learn where they are at in their aquatic journey.”

Those who are interested can sign up for classes at play.cabq.gov. Spots are limited.