KIDS TALK BACK

-- Compiled by Amy R. Spurgeon; photos by Sean Hiller

We asked children who are taking swimming lessons at a public pool in

Costa Mesa how they felt about learning to swim:

I like swim lessons. I like doing backstroke arms. This is my second week

of swim lessons this year. I’ve been taking them for three years. Doing

laps is the most difficult.

MICHELLE QUEZADA, 8

Costa Mesa

I like them. I can jump. And I am learning how to float. I’m not scared

of the water.

RONNY GALE, 5

Costa Mesa

Today I learned how to do pencil jumps. They are easy. I did two.

CLAUDETTE VAUGHT, 4

Costa Mesa

We learned backstrokes. ... touch your ears, touch your sides. The water

is freezing cold. I can swim very good. I could probably swim for three

minutes, maybe 10.

DYLAN TYLER, 4

Costa Mesa

I did a pillow float and a jump today. It’s easy. And I brought my toy

and I swam and got it. I’m a pretty good swimmer. I’ve been swimming for

a year or two.”

LILY CHAVIS, 4

Costa Mesa