It’s almost time to get in the swim

There are signs that can tell you that a season is approaching.

Leaves change color to alert you to the coming of fall and robins arrive to indicate the coming of spring. Winter likes to dump a layer of white snow on unsuspecting commuters.

Summer, however, lacks that colorful alert.

Unless you count the swimsuits.

The coming of summer is foretold by the opening of swim season. In the city of Spokane Valley, that happens next Saturday, when all three pools open for the summer season: Park Road, Terrace View and Mission.

Whether you just want to get wet and escape the summer heat, engage in a lap swim or just play a few games of Marco Polo, the Valley’s pools remain one of the cheapest forms of entertainment around. The fee for an open swim session is still a dollar. A summer swim pass is $20 per person and is good for 25 visits, and the weekend family discount allows one child, under 12, to swim free with an adult.

Children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult, but swim free with a paying adult.

And, as usual, each pool offers an array of swim lessons ranging from parent/child lessons through all Red Cross levels. All classes, which run for two weeks, are $25, and registration for lessons begins today at 1 p.m. Registration continues through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and must be done in person at the desired pool.

Registration forms can be found in the Parks and Recreation section of the city of Spokane Valley Web site, www.spokanevalley.org.

Parent/child lessons are designed for kids from 1- to 3-years old and teach basic water skills. Pee Wee and Super Pee Wee lessons are for kids from 3 to 5. At age 6, Red Cross levels kick in, with students learning a range of water skills, from beginner through level five.

Each pool also offers swim teams for swimmers from 6- to 18-years of age. Swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool on both their front and back to qualify. Swim team fees are $28 each.

And, it should be noted, swimming is one of the best exercises you can engage in. It improves cardiovascular conditioning, strengthens muscles and improves endurance, posture and flexibility all at the same time.

All while being delightfully wet.