The pool at Dillon Gymnasium will be filled with swimmers nearly every day this week, but they will look a little different than usual. They are 120 elementary school students, here to learn from the University's best.
The men's and women's swimming teams have been coaching students from the Princeton community and YMCA in hour-long sessions this week.
The idea to give the lessons came from team member Kristen Arey '07, who wanted to give student swimmers the opportunity to work with children from the Princeton area.
"Our coach had a few connections at the YMCA, so we decided to give these kids swimming lessons for free," she said.
At Dillon, the children rotate through five different stations, including a safety discussion, rescue instructions, games and swimming lessons.
The ages of the children, as well as their swimming abilities, vary widely.
"There are some kids who can't swim at all and are first getting into the water. There are others who are more experienced swimmers," Arey said.
Women's swimming head coach Susan Teeter said the program is a good way to teach young children how to be safe in the water.
"We are able to have a small impact on swimming safety," she said. "If we can keep one child from drowning, we have done our job."
Teeter also thinks the Princeton students will be a positive influence on the young swimmers.
"It is a great opportunity to teach, and being on an Ivy League campus, these children may realize that they can go to college," she said.
Reactions from the swimmers and their parents were positive.
"My little one is so afraid of swimming, and he couldn't wait to get here today," said Jean Schanz, a parent of a six-year-old receiving lessons. "He jumped in today without his swim vest."
"The Princeton swimmers are wonderful with the children," she added.
Other parents, like Kathy Dalcourt, see the week-long schedule as a positive way to reinforce the lessons.
"It is so nice to have my son's first lessons take place over four days," she said. "He hasn't hesitated to come."
Denise Lluen, one of the children taking lessons, also expressed her excitement about the program.
"I've been learning how to breathe while I freestyle swim," she said. "It has been so fun."
Teeter added that the Princeton swimmers are also enjoying the program.
"The children are having a blast, and our kids are having just as much fun," she said.
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