Swimming lessons available at Meridian Community College

MERIDIAN, Miss. - It only takes a matter of seconds for one to drown in a body of water. The Centers for Disease Control reports that drowning is one of the top leading causes of death for children.

As many families plan summer activities involving water this summer, Meridian Community College Fitness Center Director Wade Heggie says everyone should know how to swim.

“Whether adults, children, kids or anything," he explained.

During the summer term, Meridian Community College will be offering swimming lessons every Monday and Wednesday. Heggie says any water activity can be fun, but also dangerous if one can’t swim.

“The most important thing, we want to get them comfortable in the water. We want to make sure they have fun," said Heggie. "One thing they need to understand is a safe place to be, but also at times we need to understand we need to be safe.”

Heggie says the classes vary from about ten people with four certified swim instructors, teaching several techniques to beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers.

“We want to make sure they’re comfortable on their stomach and they’re back. Also, that’s a lot of how they get in the water and get out," he said. "Once they learn the basic strokes, we’ll also have them learn to dive also.”

While enjoying the water this summer, Heggie advises people to stay together when swimming and be cautious.

“Something bad could happen," said Heggie. "Someone could have a heart attack or a stroke. That's why it’s very important to swim in places where there are lifeguards. There are also people there watching you.”

For more information on MCC swimming lesson, call 601-484-8763.