BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University started their summer swimming lessons Monday, giving children and adults an opportunity to learn more about safety in the water. Dozens of children attended the first day of the session.
One-on-one and group lessons are available to those interested.
June Williams' granddaughter is one of the many children going through swimming lessons for the first time.
"We were instructed as parents, and I am a grandparent, that we give our kids proper swim lessons so that they can learn how to save their selves in the water," Williams said.
Instructors say that you're never too old to learn what to do in the water. It could mean the difference between life and death. As of last week, there have been 28 confirmed drownings across Texas in 2019, according to a study by Help and Hope Agency.
Experts say it's important to have a buddy system in place while out at the pools and to always swim where you're comfortable swimming.
Learning the proper technique is also essential to being safe at the pool.
Davey Curl is one of the instructors with Lamar University Aquatics and said it's important to know your limits in the water.
"It doesn't matter if you're Michael Phelps, or if you've never swam before, you don't want to be in the water alone," Curl said. "Water can be very fun and enjoyable but it also can be very dangerous. Don't go past what your confident for. If you can't swim don't go where you can't touch."
Group lessons are open to age one to adult, and involve eight 30-45 minute lessons for $70.
One-on-one lessons are open to ages five to adult, and cost $70 for four 30-minute lessons.
Swimming lessons will run throughout the summer, and more information can be found on Lamar's website.