BEMIDJI, Minn. — Beginning Tuesday, June 2, the Gillett Recreation and Fitness Center at Bemidji State University will be offering summer swimming lessons at the Rec Center pool.

The lessons are twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 4-7 p.m. beginning Tuesday, June 2, and running through Thursday, Aug. 13. The lessons cost $45. A complete calendar of lessons is available on the Rec Center Web site at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/recreation.

The Rec Center’s swimming lessons will follow the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program and feature trained water safety instructors. Class sizes are limited to seven to nine participants, and registration is now open.

The Red Cross Learn-to-Swim offers something for everybody. A unique six-level instructional approach is unlike anything offered by other aquatic training programs. Instructors are trained and certified by the American Red Cross, so swimmers of all ages and abilities are in good hands.

The prerequisite for each level is the successful demonstration of the skills from the preceding level, except for Level 1, which has no prerequisite. Each level of Learn-to-Swim includes training in basic water safety and helping others in an emergency.

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills, helps students feel comfortable in the water.

Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills gives students success with fundamental skills.

Level 3: Stroke Development builds on the skills in Level 2 through additional guided practice.

Level 4: Stroke Improvement develops confidence in the skills learned and improves other aquatic skills.

Level 5: Stroke Refinement provides further coordination and refinement of strokes.

Registration is open now for Levels 2-5 and space is limited. The Level 1 lesson is full. Persons interested in lessons in Levels 2-5 are encouraged to contact the Rec Center as soon as possible to secure a spot as it is expected they will fill quickly.

For more information please contact the Gillett Recreation and Fitness Center at (218) 755-4140, or visit it on the Web at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/recreation.