New Funding Opens Swim Lessons To More Minneapolis Families

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — More Minneapolis kids will have an opportunity to learn how to swim this summer thanks to special funding from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier this week, Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchingson announced it would provide new funding to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to expand low-cost swim lessons to more people.

For Minneapolis youth who qualify, a series of eight lessons with a scholarship will now be $5, compared to the typical $50 cost. Scholarships for kids are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The low-cost swimming lessons are part of the Water and Ice Safety Education program launched by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and take place throughout the summer at a variety of MPRB aquatics facilities, including:

• Lake Nokomis Park
• North Commons Park
• Northeast Park
• Phillips Aquatics Center
• Theodore Wirth Regional Park
• Webber Park

In addition to standard swimming lessons, WISE scholarships are available to individuals interested in women’s-only swimming lessons and lifeguard training classes.

“People who live in Minnesota value the time they can spend in our beautiful rivers and lakes, and the Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to keeping people safe around water,” Hutchinson said in a release. “It’s that dedication that’s driving us to increase our water safety education. Learning to swim shouldn’t be limited to only families who can afford it, it’s a life skill that should be offered to all Minnesotans.”

For more information on MPRB swim lessons and scholarships, email [email protected] or call 612-230-6495. Learn more about program fee assistance through the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.