Everyday new Covington kids are learning how to swim at the Covington Aquatics Center. Over 1,000 kids learn these new life skills every year thanks to the center.

Because of this the Red Cross has named the Covington Aquatics Center a Gold Level “Learn to Swim” provider.

Twenty-two Washington state partners earned the distinction in 2018, a Red Cross article published on its website stated.

The Red Cross Northwest Region recently recognized them and others that offer swim lessons, life-guarding training and CPR certifications at a ceremony, including the City of Covington, the article stated.

Kaila Destefano, Covington’s aquatics specialist, said the city offers lessons every day of the week with no breaks. She believes demand is high partly because there are so many bodies of water in the region.

“People really see the value in learning the skill from a safety angle but also recreational,” she stated in the article. “It improves people’s quality of life.”

T”people how to swim and be safe around water is very important to us and we are honored to receive this recognition!” A post on the Covington Aquatics Center’s Facebook page stated.

The center sees over 120,000 visits per year.