Come on in, the water’s fine

She spends the majority of her waking time in a pool teaching more than 100 children a month the basics of swimming.

“My perfume of choice is chlorine,” joked Le’tana Lickfold.

After 30 years of teaching swimming, Lickfold is more adamant than ever that every child should know and understand basic water skills and aquatic safety.

“Swimming is a life skill that can save your life – like wearing a seat belt in a car,” Lickfold said.

A former longtime Post Falls resident, Lickfold moved in 1993 to the Athol/Bayview area, where she currently resides.

Her name has become synonymous with swimming, tap, ballet, jazz and baton, largely because Lickfold has taught for the Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene park and recreation departments since she was 17.

Raised in Orofino, Lickfold grew up participating and competing in ballet, tap and baton, eventually becoming a regional and state champion.

Lickfold is a certified Red Cross water safety instructor and lifeguard. She owns LeStar Aquatics Starfish Swim School. Lickfold currently teaches at Allen Goodall’s Physical Therapy and Aquatics Center on Idaho Street in Post Falls.

Starfish focuses on aquatic safety skills as well as recreational and competitive stroke development from beginner to advanced swimmer, according to Lickfold.

“If you are looking for a swimming class for your children, then good for you,” Lickfold said. “Whether or not you have a pool or live near a body of water, every child should learn to swim.”

The statistics are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 26 percent of children ages 1 to 4 who died in 2004 drowned. For the 1 to 14 age group, the second leading cause of death was unintentional drowning.

“Although swimming classes are not a drown-proof solution, you can help your children beat the odds by providing them with adequate swimming lessons,” Lickfold said.

According to Lickfold, one of the most intimidating things about swimming for kids is submerging their faces in the water because they are wary of not being able to breathe or see normally.

Lickfold starts small by dipping her face quickly into the water and coming up with a big smile, which shows the child it is fun to get your face wet.

“For very fearful children, I start practicing by just getting their faces wet.”

Lickfold’s Starfish Swim School offers day and evening classes year-round for all ages and abilities.

“My oldest student is 72 and my youngest is 6 months,” Lickfold said. “Many of my former students have gone onto swim competitively in elementary, junior and high school.”

Lickfold strives to provide a positive learning environment while teaching her students to have fun and be safe in the water.

“I encourage them with verbal positive feedback that helps them feel confident and comfortable in the water,” she said.