From the City of Newark: Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services Patrick Council announced today that registration for free "Learn to Swim" for all ages, "Water Aerobics for Adults and Seniors," and "Parent & Child" swim classes will be held onSaturday, September 16, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon, at the John F. Kennedy Aquatic Center, located at 211 West Kinney Street (entrance on Howard Street), in the City's Central Ward. The classes are aimed at residents aged from six months to senior citizens.

Slots for the classes are first-come, first-served, and space is limited, so residents are encouraged to register early. Participants must bring a swim suit, towel, shower shoes, and a bathing cap, which is required for anyone whose hair is more than two inches long. While the aquatic center provides lockers, it does not provide locks – participants should bring their own locks to secure their personal property. "Swimming is a great sport and a form of exercise that can be enjoyed at any age," Mayor Baraka said. "It is also a great skill to know and the ability to swim may save a life. It will enable residents of all ages to build stronger bodies. I urge Newark residents to take advantage of this free program, and learn to swim this fall."

Participants are required to have an annual membership card, the Community Pass, and can register for this photo-identification at the JFK Aquatic Center's front desk. The annual fee is $5 for Newark residents; $15 for non-Newark residents. The fee can be paid by money order made out to the City of Newark or by debit card. "I commend our recreation staff on offering these important classes to Newark residents," said Director Council. "Newark residents of all ages can benefit from learning to swim and the basic water safety rules, which will have a positive impact in their lives.

The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center is the City's largest such facility, offering Newark residents of all ages a wide variety of daily recreation, exercise, and swimming programs. The facility features a multi-purpose exercise room, a regulation size basketball court, a state-of-the-art weight room and an indoor/outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool equipped with a retractable roof. 2008 Olympic U.S. Swimming Gold Medalist Cullen Jones trained there as a youth. The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center has hosted numerous events, including the 2002 U.S. Youth Games Swimming competition. The City's recreation programs are sponsored by the Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services' Division of Recreation. For more information, contact the John F. Kennedy Aquatic Center at (973) 733-6550.