Summer Swim

Samford University’s ESSM Department teaches summer swimming lessons to children in the Birmingham area. This program was begun by Dr. Avalee Willoughby in the 1960's. Dollie Brice began directing the program in 1979 and has done so since that time. There are a total of 128 children that are taught each summer. Classes are taught Monday-Thursday for two weeks. Children ages 4-15 years are eligible to take the lessons. There are 16 children per session with 5 teachers, a lifeguard, and a supervisor. The American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program is followed. Priority registration is given to students who have taken lessons the previous summer.

For information about registration, contact Dollie Brice at dgbrice@samford.edu.

Summer Swim 2009 Information

It is time to register your children for summer swimming lessons at Samford. Here is the information that you will need to know:

• We take children beginning at age 4 and continuing until age 15.  We will limit the class size to 16 children per class.  There will be 5 teachers, a lifeguard and a supervisor in the pool or on deck at all times.  Classes are divided according to age and ability.  Classes meet Monday-Thursday for two weeks.


• We follow the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program.


• The cost this year will be $105.00 for the first child in a family and $100.00 for each subsequent child. If this causes a financial problem for you, please let me know and we can work out a payment schedule for you.


• In classes where 4 - 12 year olds are together, we will group these children according to age and skill level.


• Please note: Our policy is that parents remain off the pool deck and balcony until the last day of class. Cancellations must be made at least two weeks before the beginning of a class. No refunds will be issued if cancellations are received after this time.


• Please note that we will also be teaching Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lifeguard Training.


• This year we will again have special classes for 13 - 15 year old during Sessions 3 and 7. We will work on pre-lifeguarding skills and strokes. If there are beginner swimmers of this age who want to take swimming lessons, they are also welcome to come to the class. We will, as always, divide students into groups according to their swimming ability.


• If you have any questions, you can also email me at dgbrice@samford.edu.

Look at the class schedule below and decide which class you want your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or friend to take and email back to me ASAP your choice. I will then confirm with you via email that your spot has been reserved. I will at that time email you the registration and indemnity release forms. You can then mail back to me your payment and copies of the forms and your payment.

The class schedule is as follows:

June 1-11 (Mon. – Thurs.)
Session 1 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. (4-12 yrs.)
Session 2 1:20 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. (4 - 12 yrs.)
Session 3 2:10 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. (4 - 15 yrs.)

June 15-25 (Mon. – Thurs.)
Session 5 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. (4 - 12 yrs.)
Session 6 1:20 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. (4 - 12 yrs.)
Session 7 2:10 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. (4 - 15 yrs.)

Water Safety Instructor
May 18-22
Students must be at least17 years of age
Cost: $125 plus books

Lifeguard Training
May 25-29
Students must be at least 15 years of age
Cost: $125 plus books