The YMCA swim team . . .

. . .looks through catalogs to choose a swim suit to compete in throughout the season. Last year, the team placed second as one of 12

teams in the Central Alabama Aquatics League and expects to do as well this year.

Photo by Alicia Weldon

Summer can be a time of rest and relaxation, as well as a time for people of all ages to enjoy fun in the sun.

The Greenville YMCA has many activities to choose from to help keep everyone busy during the warm summer months.

Throughout the whole summer on Monday through Friday for children ages 5-12, there is a summer day camp from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children participating in this camp have structured activities throughout the day, such as arts and crafts, outside games, swim lessons, guest speakers and an occasional field trip. A lunch is provided each day. The camp is $55 per week for members and $65 per week for non-members.

Another summer favorite at the YMCA is swimming lessons given by certified instructors to people three years old and up. There are five sessions remaining in the summer, lasting for two weeks each. Lessons are $10 per session for members and $45 per session for non-members.

Tim Dunsford, executive director of the YMCA, said so far

each session for swimming lessons has been full.

"We expect to give over 300 lessons this summer alone," Dunsford said.

Private swimming lessons with one-on-one instruction will also be given by Leah Utley, a lifeguard for the YMCA. She will be giving lessons Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. for anyone who is interested.

For advanced swimmers, the center offers a swim team which competes with 12 other teams in the Central Alabama Aquatics League. To participate, one must be 5- to 18-years old and be able to illustrate skill in swimming. There is a fee of $40 per year for members and $60 per year for non-members for those interested in joining the swim team.

Dunsford said this year's team is made up mostly of those who competed last year, helping the team to place second in the league.

"We definitely have a very strong squad this year hope to continue doing well," he said.

The YMCA is also offering training and a chance for one to earn his or her lifeguard certification, which includes CPR and first aid certification. Classes are $100 for members and $140 for non-members.

The pool is available for members on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. through 5 p.m. For non-members, the pool is open every day but Wednesday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Costs for non-members is $2 per person each day.

Dunsford said in each program the YMCA offers, there has been much participation from the community.

"We're having full capacity in all our programs," Dunsford said. "We expect this to be a fun and busy summer."

To become a member of the YMCA, there is a $50 joining fee, plus $32 per month for families and $22.50 per month for individuals. For students, fees are $19 per month. There is a corporate reduction fee of 15 percent for corporate members with no joining fee. Call the YMCA at 382-0550 for a list of businesses which qualify for the reduction fee or for more information.