Concerned about the safety of residents, a local aquatic club is ready to teach you to swim.

The Emmaus Aquatic Club is passionate about teaching students how to swim correctly, the first time, in a fun rewarding atmosphere.

All instructors at EMAC are trained and certified by SwimAmerica and teach the same progressive skills proven to be one of, if not the most, effective learn-to-swim program in the nation.

SwimAmerica is a national learn to swim program operated by the American Swimming Coaches Association through over 500 program directors at over 900 sites across the USA by the same people who have supported the most successful sport team on the planet... the USA Olympic Swimming Team.

Every day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

Further, the CDC suggests children ages one to four have the highest drowning rates.

In 2009, among children ages one to four years old who died from an unintentional injury, more than 30 percent died from drowning. Among that same age group, most drownings occur in home swimming pools. Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children one to four than any other cause except birth defects. Among those ages one to 14, fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes.

For some, the fear of the water keeps them from taking swimming lessons.

"The best way to prepare your child for swim lessons is to acclimate them to the water in a fun friendly calm manner," Swim Lesson Coordinator Mary Kay Krause said. "When your child is comfortable in the water, they are ripe and ready to learn the basics of swimming. Don't wait to introduce them to the water. If you are fearful, children can easily sense your apprehension and may begin to also be afraid. This goal of acclimation to the water is a major reason we offer parent/child swim classes starting at the age of six months. We continue this with our preschool aged lessons at age three for our students who are ready to learn in a small group setting with an instructor. And our youth group lessons begin at age five and on through adults."

There is special equipment available to help alleviate fears and help the new swimmer become confident. Krause said with patience and repetition, the swimmer will become more confident.

Krause took over the program at EMAC four years ago and was a coach and instructor 12 years ago.

"Learning how to swim is like learning how to read or play the piano, you might not learn instantly, but you will never regret your hard work and perseverance at becoming a proficient swimmer," Krause said.

Krause said the adult lessons are very popular and students do not need to be a member of EMAC to take lessons.

Lessons are given year- round. Summer lessons are offered at EMAC's outdoor facility at 2546 Mill Race Road, Lower Macungie Township, and Steel Fitness Premier, 250 Cetronia Road, Allentown. Lessons are offered in age groups, parent and child, private and semi private classes.

Different students react well to different instructors. EMAC is often seeking swim instructors of all ages who enjoy the water and working with children.

Using the SwimAmerica program, there are 10 stations of proficiency before graduation including bubbles, floats and glides, kicking, crawl stroke, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, turns, lifetime strokes and individual medley.

As swim lessons can become a feeder to the swim team, Krause said by level seven, students could transition to the swim team if they are interested.

Krause said swimming lessons build confidence and eliminate a fear of the water. Families can feel safe going to the beach knowing their children are able to swim; however, Krause said lessons will not take the place of parental supervision.

The best time to introduce your children to the water is at age three, four or five.

"We don't force the children; we teach them to love the water for a lifetime," Krause said.

Other benefits to swimming include exercise and rehabilitation. Office Manager Melissa Young said EMAC offers aqua aerobics classes June through September.

"Stay committed to learning how to swim– make it a priority in your busy lives and allow yourself and your child the gift of learning how to swim at his/her own pace, which will foster a lifetime love of the water," Krause said.

"Swimming is a sport for all ages. It is a heart healthy, joint friendly, full body workout that relieves stress and can be enjoyed for decades. Don't delay– get in the water today."

For more information, visit www.emacswim.org, email emacswimschool@ rcn.com or call 484-264-6833.

Editor's Note: The Emmaus Aquatic Club was our monthly jobs page drawing winner. For details on a chance to have your business featured, contact the advertising department at 610-740-0944.