Free swim lessons offered on Belle Isle in July and August
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 07/10/2014 10:49 AM EDT|
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Belle Isle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2014
Contact: Darlisa Rickman, 313-396-6875 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
Free swim lessons offered on Belle Isle in July and August
Free swim lessons, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will be offered on Belle Isle on select Saturdays in July and August, presenting patrons of the park with the tools and knowledge needed to be safe in the water.
“Water safety is key to having fun in and around the water,” said Scott Pratt, chief of southern field operations for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “These lessons are designed to teach sound swimming skills with special emphasis on water safety, including the proper use of safety equipment.”
The lessons, taking place on the restored beach located along Riverbank Road, will be held at various times between 9 a.m. and noon on July 19 and 26 and Aug. 2, 23 and 30. Sessions will be divided into age groups with all ages welcome. Youth and adult classes will last 45 minutes; parent-tot classes will last 30 minutes.
Preregistration is required. To preregister for a lesson or to get more information on the designated times for each age bracket, contact Darlisa Rickman at 313-396-6875. Slots are limited and available only by preregistration on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each class will be taught by five to six experienced swim instructors from the metro Detroit area. Participants are asked to come prepared to swim with a swim suit and towel.
The lessons are part of the DNR’s Recreation 101 programming offered at state parks throughout Michigan. “Rec 101" is a series of free, intro-to format classes taught by DNR staff or expert volunteers from organizations, guide services, outfitters and retailers. Lessons range from archery and kayaking to paddle boarding and disc golf.
“Recreation 101 programs – such as this summer’s swim classes on Belle Isle – offer expert instruction to first-time campers, kayakers, canoers, swimmers, anglers and the many other outdoor recreation novices who want to spend more time out-of-doors,” said Maia Turek, DNR parks and recreation programmer. “These classes empower state park visitors with the skills and experience to try outdoor activities and then continue enjoying and having fun in the outdoors for months and, hopefully, years to come.”
For a calendar of all “Rec 101” events taking place in Michigan this summer, visit www.michigan.gov/rec101.
In recent months, Belle Isle Park has – with the help of state agencies and many partner organizations – undergone significant revitalization, including restoration of the swim beach area. Recent beach improvements include:
- Sand restoration.
- Installation of a children’s swim area with a buoy system close to shore.
- Addition of lifeboat racks and signage.
- Restoration of beach-area restrooms.
Additional safety offerings currently available or in the works include availability of life jackets, a lifeboat, a call box and informational kiosk on water safety.
Stop by mobile information booth
While visiting Belle Isle Park, stop by the mobile information booth, located along the circle drive just after crossing the McArthur Bridge. The mobile booth – wrapped in iconic Belle Isle imagery – is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day and staffed by a park ranger. Belle Isle maps and information are available at the booth. The $11 Recreation Passport (required for access to Belle Isle Park) also is available for purchase in the mobile information booth.
Recreation Passport gradual phase-in
The Recreation Passport requirement is being phased in gradually at Belle Isle Park. Vehicles will not need the Passport during the first year of state management until their next license plate registration renewal date. For example, if the vehicle license plate registration renewal date is in October 2014, then the Passport is not needed on that vehicle to enter Belle Isle until October. Once a full year has cycled (February 2015), all vehicles entering the park must have a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport applies only to vehicles, not individuals. Pedestrians, bicyclists and those using public transportation can enter the park for free and will not need the Passport.
In addition to the mobile information booth, Belle Isle Park visitors also can purchase the Recreation Passport at the White House (administrative building) on Belle Isle from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, from any Michigan state park or recreation area or from the Secretary of State during license plate registration renewal.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($31 annual; $9 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about the Recreation Passport at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
Additional information about Belle Isle Park – Michigan’s 102nd state park – is available at www.BelleIslePark.org.
Follow us on Twitter @MichiganDNR. We encourage Belle Isle partners and others interested in the park's revitalization to use the hashtag #AllinforBelleIsle.