Do you know how to swim? Hopefully the answer is yes. If you don’t, however, there is an easy and affordable solution that will allow you to take part in a time-honored source of summer fun.

Lanett Parks & Recreation is holding free swimming lessons this summer, starting next week. From June 18-22, July 9-13 and July 23-27, kids aged 6 to 18 can sign up for lessons at the Lanett Recreation Pool for an hour per day.

But why would someone want to learn to swim? Most people are not required to swim for any reason other than recreation, so why even bother?

For one simple reason, it’s fun.

Swimming is one of the best activities to participate in, whether alone or in a group. One can swim laps or just float around and relax.

Add in the fact that we live in an area with two large public lakes, West Point Lake and Chambers County Lake, and have the Chattahoochee River bisecting the land, most people should have at least the basics of swimming down by the time they become a teenager.

There is also an additional positive benefit to learning how to swim; safety. Because of our location, the possibility of falling into a body of water, either while boating or fishing, is higher than most other places.

If you or someone you know is one of those that does not know how to swim, this is the perfect time to learn.

Anyone interesting in learning to swim can contact the Lanett Recreation Department at 334-644-4312. Only the first 20 applicants will be taken per session. Applications can be obtained at the Recreation office in the James A. Hardy Gym.

With school out and the weather heating up, why not cool off and relax by learning a new skill.