Soldiers dive into swim lessons

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Chapman | 1st Lt. Carissa Schessow of the 8th Finance Battalion helps Sgt. 1st Class William Boyd of the 322d Maintenance Company get re-acquainted with the water during classes in April 2006.  

IRAQ

06.16.2006

Courtesy Story

3rd Corps Support Command

The sparkling water of the outdoor pool calls to Soldiers when the Iraqi sun drives temperatures past 100 degrees. But what if you want to swim and do not know how?

Fortunately, twice a week at Logistical Support Area Anaconda's outdoor pool, swimming lessons are taught to help those who want to learn.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, personnel are introduced to swimming using tips and suggestions to overcome their fears of the water, and also how to better increase their skills. Those who attend these classes each have different reasons why they want to learn, or better their skills.

Taking time out of her busy schedule as the deputy dispersing officer for the 8th Finance Battalion, 1st Lt. Carissa Schessow helps those who want to swim learn safely and confidently.
"I have been teaching the classes since the beginning of April," said Schessow. "I started teaching because some of the Soldiers in my unit could not swim. I was pleasantly surprised how many people were willing to show up and learn."

For those learning to swim, there is a lot to overcome in order to feel confident in the water, said Schessow.
"The fear of the water is the biggest thing " I had a guy shaking in the first class because he was so tense," Schessow said. "Gaining the confidence in their ability is the biggest thing to learn."

Schessow works with each student based on their skill level.
A student who feels confident in their ability will ask her for advice on his or her swimming strokes, while another who is just becoming acquainted with the water holds on to the edge and learns to relax, float and practice kicking their legs.

"The class is great, she is very patient and has great tips to get me to relax," said Sgt. 1st Class William Boyd, the 322nd Maintenance Company NCOIC of the Joint Distribution Center.
For those who decide to take the class, there can be a lot of individual reasons why it is important to learn how to swim.

"I found a lot of people want to learn so they can feel safe taking their children out," Schessow said. "Other people want to learn so they can gain opportunities in the military."

Sgt. Alpha Diallo, of Co. C, 331st Field Artillery, participates in the swimming class with Army career opportunities in mind.
"Once I get back to Ft. Bragg I will finish my testing for the Special Forces," said Diallo.

"My goal is to go off the high dive before I leave here," Boyd said.
But these swimmers have already made the commitment to trying something new that will allow them a change in their fitness plan as well as relaxation.

For some at LSA Anaconda, there are still issues that keep them from coming to the pool or taking the classes. Some worry about what others may think of them as beginning swimmers; however, with these classes they have nothing to fear.

"Forget about any perception or opinions of other people, come out and give it a shot, learn something new and have some fun," Schessow said.

• Date Taken: 06.16.2006
• Date Posted: 06.16.2006 09:30
• Story ID: 6828
• Location: IQ