It’s been a long time coming, but the Harpswell Summer Swim Program will return this June. The program ended in 2019, when the Bowdoin College pool closed during the pandemic. The lack of swim time meant the loss of instructors and volunteers needed for this highly regarded instruction program, which had served up to 240 students from Harpswell and surrounding towns every summer. Important program information is below.
What is the program for? It is a swim instruction program for children ages 4 and older. We use the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum — the same one used in the Harpswell Community School swim program. We offer three one-hour sessions so families can have all their children swim at the same time.
Where and when: We will swim at the Bowdoin College pool at the times below.
June 23 (last day of school): 1:30-2:20 p.m., 2:30-3:20, 3:30-4:20.
June 24-26 and June 29 through July 3: 8-8:50 a.m., 9:00-9:50, 10-10:50.
Registration: Families may register through the Harpswell Recreation portal on the town website, harpswell.maine.gov. Registration will open on May 1.
Staff and volunteer needs: We use certified American Red Cross water safety instructors and teaching aides to provide the best training possible. Safety is paramount. Nonswimmers will receive one-on-one support. We need staff and volunteers: upward of 50 total. If you would like to work with us and become a water safety instructor (ages 16 and older), or if you want to be a teaching aide (ages 12 and older), please contact Katie Neal at recreation@town.harpswell.me.us, Don Miskill at 207-833-6381, or Linda Blanton at 207-837-1991.
Funding: This is the biggest change and greatest challenge since the program ended. Maine’s minimum wage has increased to $15.10 per hour. The town contributes some money and we have a swim scholarship fund, but it will not be enough to keep the program affordable. We are seeking donations to help defray labor expenses and fees for pool use.
Fee: The program fee is projected to be $60 per child with a $10 surcharge for nonresidents. This amount may change if enough donations are received to lower the cost. Financial assistance is available for Harpswell residents.
For more information or to donate, email recreation@town.harpswell.me.us.
