Aquatics Coordinator Dan Godden teaching his Tiny Bubbles class how to kick back to the surface when they jump in the pool. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – It’s never too early to learn how to swim! At the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, the aquatics coordinator Dan Godden is teaching even the youngest members of the Westfield Community how to stay safe in the water.
On Friday mornings at 10am and Tuesdays at 9:30am, Dan offers a Tiny Bubbles class for children pre-kindergarten age. These children get to have fun and make new friends while they learn how to kick and paddle across the pool. These kids are even starting to practice diving techniques! Dan is never more than a breast stroke away to make sure every participant is safe at all times.
The Tiny Bubbles class only enrolls a maximum of 4 children at a time to ensure Dan can provide all the one-to-one attention necessary. The class is instructed as a whole, but due to the small size each child is given individual one-to-one time depending on their needs and abilities.
Children are taught how to properly breathe in the water, and how to hold their breath when they swim under water. Most importantly, children are taught techniques to keep them safe when they get close to the deep end.
There are many benefits to learning how to swim at such a young age. According to Dan, “swimming is an awesome activity that you can do all year round indoor and outdoor. The older you get the harder it is to learn and feel comfortable swimming, so this age group is really ideal”.
In today’s world, swimming is an excellent opportunity for children to start practicing healthy lifestyle skills. Swimming is a heart healthy cardio vascular exercise for children and adults of all ages – and even if kids don’t like to swim, they need to be safe around the water.
To enroll your child in swimming lessons, or to learn more about the Club’s swimming opportunities and pool schedule for children and adults of all ages, please contact Dan Godden, Aquatics Coordinator at 413.562.2301 or visit our website at www.BGCWestfield.org.
Karissa St. Pierre is the Assistant Development and Marketing Coordinator at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield
