Caledonia Argus

Shortage of instructors may mean fewer swimming lessons

Posted: 4/15/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

A shortage of certified Water Safety Instructors may mean that fewer children will have the opportunity to take swimming lessons this summer.

At its meeting Monday evening, the council heard from pool manager Kirsten Hefte, who informed the council that there are currently only three people returning to work at the Caledonia Pool who are qualified to teach lessons. Six to seven WSI-certified lifeguards are needed in order for the pool to offer the number of lessons that it has had in the past, which includes seven levels of classes with 10 students in each class. Most classes are held for 50 minutes a day for 12 days.

Hefte told the council that many of the qualified guards are not returning to the pool this summer. Many of the former instructors have taken other jobs or are doing internships for the summer. An individual must be 17 in order to take the Red Cross WSI class. There is the possibility that some guards who qualify could take the class in the early summer.

There are enough lifeguards to staff the pool for swimming, said Hefte.

Mayor Robert Burns suggested that if there are not enough instructors, the lessons may have to be reduced. He suggested that the cityís priority be for lessons to be offered at the lower levels, or that open swimming start later so that more time can be devoted to lessons.

The council agreed to advertise for instructors. Hefte, who was not planning on returning to the pool this summer, said she could be available for lessons only is necessary. She agreed to contact the returning guards to see who is qualified for WSI training and report back tot he council.

Sign-up for swimming lessons will be delayed until a schedule can be worked out.

Board of Review

Only one person attended the board of review meeting which was part of the councilís regular meeting Monday night.

County assessor Tom Dybing told the council that residential properties have not increased across the board in the city, but commercial properties have been increased 10 percent. The values had not been raised for two years, he said. The increase in value will affect taxes in 2004.

Patrick Jilek attended the Board of Review meeting to discuss what he felt was a high assessment of property he owns in the city. Improvements he made to the home resulted in an increase of more than $100,000 in the estimated market value of his property. The assessor agreed to review the assessment and make corrections if warranted.

In other news, Mayor Robert Burns reported on his visit to the state capitol last Wednesday where he spoke with Senator Bob Kierlin and State Rep. Greg Davids about concerns the city has about the state budget deficit and the impact it will have on cities and local government aid.

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