MACON, Ga. — As we push further into summer and temperatures spike, you'll likely head to the water to cool off.
Here's some ways for you to enjoy swimming without risking your life.
Before you jump into a body of water, you want to make sure you know what you're doing. That's why Ryan Walker, a swim instructor with Swim Macon, is teaching kiddos at an early age. "The sooner you can get them into the water, the easier it is. They develop a love for the water instead of a fear of the water, and that's important as well."
Walker teaches her students how to hold onto the side of the pool and crawl along if they need to catch their breath. "If they aren't strong enough to come back up for air, we teach them to flip on their back, take a breath, and keep swimming."
Walker says it's crucial to learn these skills if you plan on swimming. She says the Macon area has limited resources for lessons, and she often finds herself completely booked.
So, whether you're a kid or an adult and not a strong swimmer; never do it alone.
"Going into a river or the ocean or something that might have obstructions underwater is definitely not a good idea," Walker said.
Walker says for adults who've never learned, it's probably because of a traumatic event or simply not being exposed to water at a young age, but it's never too late to dip your toe in the water and try. "We just take it very slow, just step by step of overcoming that fear, and maybe it's just putting that foot in the water."
Practice makes perfect, so Walker recommends people of all ages master the techniques before diving in.
Other places that offer swimming lessons in Macon are The Wellness Center and Middle Georgia State University's Macon Recreation Center.