Mini Minnows Storytime and Swim debuts next month

KINGSPORT -- The Kingsport Aquatic Center has partnered with the Kingsport Public Library to create a new program that combines the joy of reading with the excitement of swimming.The program - Mini Minnows Storytime and Swim – is for children ages 5 and younger and is designed to engage youth by providing a safe, fun and educational learning environment."Mini Minnows Storytime and Swim is a wonderful opportunity for young children to build early literacy skills, gain comfort in water and learn important water safety habits," said Aquatics Program Coordinator Madison Gump.The weekly program begins March 3 at the Kingsport Aquatic Center and will continue each Tuesday in March, April and May. Sessions run from 10:30 a.m. to noon each day.Each session will begin with story time, followed by an hour of swimming in the Kingsport Aquatic Center play pool. During swim time, parents will accompany their child in the water while an American Red Cross–certified Water Safety Instructor shares age-appropriate water safety tips and guidance.The cost of the program is $3 per day for Kingsport Aquatic Center members and $4 a day for YMCA/non-KAC members. You can also purchase a pass for the three-month program - $35 for KAC members and $40 for YMCA/non-KAC members.Parents must always be in attendance during the program, including in the pool with their child during the swim session.Kingsport Aquatic Center memberships can be purchased by visiting www.kingsporttn.gov and clicking on the "CivicRec" link, then select "Aquatic Center" from the list. You can also purchase memberships in person at the KAC front desk.To learn more, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.