A Water Safety Week initiative is planned for August 19-22 at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street. The free children’s water safety program, open to ages 3-10, will provide water safety education and swimming skills.

Four 60-minute sessions will run each day. Sessions will begin at 10 and 11 am, and 2 and 3 pm. 

Community Center Director Matt Ariniello said the goal of the program is to educate children of all ages on being safe around water.

"Swimming is a life skill and this program will provide children with water awareness and safety skills while providing parents with confidence around water,” he said.

Certified swim instructors will teach skills that reduce the risk of drowning and give children the confidence to be in and around the water. Organized by age group, children will receive a half-hour swim lesson daily along with instruction from The American Red Cross. Stewie the Duck will also visit.

Registration is required, and can be done by calling 203-270-4349. The course is first-come, first served; registration opened at 9 am August 6.

Water Safety Week is among the first programs to be announced for the brand-new community center, which celebrated its ribbon cutting on July 19.

“The Community Center will be a great resource, providing year-round swim lessons for all ages,” Mr Ariniello said.