BABIES ENJOY SWIMMING IN CITY POOL

At left, Grace Pyle and Emmalee attended the beginning of water babies class. Pyle had attended one class with Emmalee's sister.

At left, Grace Pyle and Renee awaited the initial plunge at Jackson City Pool's water babies class.

Babies have been splashing around at the Jackson City Pool learning to enjoy the water this summer. Lifeguards instruct parents on different ways to hold their babies and approach water activities in a way that makes babies feel secure and comfortable in the pool.

Singing "ring around the rosy" begins the class, and the familiar rotation in a circle calms most fussing babies.

From there it's different positions while moving around the pool, even lying on their backs; which most babies seem to enjoy.

Toys are introduced by the lifeguard, and because they're different than the ones at home, the lifeguards now have an edge.

The lifeguard can now easily provide individual instruction in kicking and other basic movements necessary in the process of learning to swim.