Contributed by Mike Cheslock
SDR Community Education coordinator

According to Wikipedia there are 428 named lakes in Oneida County, along with 701 lakes with no name. With so much water in the area, it was decided at the School District of Rhinelander that it was important that young people learn how to swim. The district offered free swim lessons this summer for youth and adults through the Community Education program.
A total of 131 individuals, ranging in age from five years to adult, took advantage of the lessons that were led by instructor Megan Cihla.

Participants had a wide range of skill level coming in to the lessons, but Cihla said all swimmers left feeling competent in the water, adding that she is “super proud of these kids.” Nearly all participants ended their lesson being able to swim at least 25 yards in either the freestyle or backstroke.

The School District plans on offering the lessons again next summer. More information will be available in spring, 2018.