- News
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) will be hosting four sessions of Aqua Tots during March for toddlers ranging in age from six months and older. The cost is $40 per child. Registration must be completed by Friday, Feb. 26, 2015 to enroll. Dates: Mondays, March 2, March 9, March 23 and March 30 Times: 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. for children 6 months to 2.5 years old 6-7 p.m. for children three and older The NEO Aqua Tots program is a fun and safe swim program designed for all ages. Students will be able to explore the aquatic world within the comfort of NEO’s heated pool and swim area. NEO Aqua Tots instructors are American Red Cross certified, and a lifeguard is always on duty. Parents and guardians can play a role in the child’s learning with praise, encouragement, review of water safety rules and out of class practice.
“While parents and guardians are encouraged to stay for each lesson, coaching from anyone other than certified swim instructors during lessons is discouraged. Interaction from friends and family distracts other students and takes away valuable learning time. It’s also important to remember that participation in any swim lesson program does not ‘drown proof’ a child. Constant supervision is still needed for a child around any body of water,” said Adrian Arnold, NEO aquatics coordinator.
Swim diapers are required for all Little Ducks during lessons.
For the safety of all participants, students need to wait in the docking zone located behind diving board before each lesson. A safety review will be given before each class. If hazardous weather (lightning, tornado, etc.) or dangerous road conditions interrupt a lesson, a makeup day will be scheduled.
Aqua Tots instructor Adrian Arnold has been employed with NEO since 2000. She began her career at NEO as a college recruiter and has had the opportunity to work in many different capacities for the college, which include physical education/aquatic instructor and wellness coordinator. She currently serves on the academic advisor team and continues as the aquatic coordinator and Physical Education adjunct instructor. Arnold received her Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in leisure studies and received a Master of Science degree from Pittsburg State University in the department of health, human performance and recreation. She has acquired many certifications through American Red Cross which include CPR for the professional rescuer, water safety instructor trainer, and instructor trainer for lifeguard/first aid. Arnold is also a certified water aerobics instructor, certified arthritis aquatic and land instructor. A project that continues to service area students is the NEO Aqua Tots Program which dates back to 2004. To register for Aqua Tots, call (918) 540-6192 or email aarnold@neo.edu.
