Summer hours at John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool in Oak Harbor begin at the end of the month, and the biggest change is more pool time for swim lessons in the morning.

While North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District offers swim lessons year round, summer is primetime for children home from school to master the basics, said Erika Miller, interim district director.

Miller also serves as aquatics director.

“We are surrounded by water, and drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 12,” she said. “Our staff is very committed to having every child acclimated to water and able to swim the basic strokes by third grade.”

Starting June 29, there will be pool time for children taking swim lessons from 9:15- 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Swim school also is available those same days from 5:35 -7:15 p.m.

Other changes include a lap swim from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and open swims Monday through Friday 7:30-9 p.m. and 1:15- 2:45 p.m.

Lessons are available for ages 6 months to adult. Sessions last two weeks. Eight half-hour lessons cost $40.

Children who qualify for the school district’s free and reduced lunch program or state assistance can receive half off by bringing in proof.

Miller recommends that children continue to take lessons consistently until they are proficient.

“Swimming is a life skill, it’s not just recreation,” she said. “If children don’t do it for months they have a tendency to lose comfort in the water, and that can put them in danger of drowning.”

A recent agreement makes it possible for military families to get free entry for open swims, which includes lap swimming. Military families must show their military identification.

The district also offers swim teams for children and adults.

For more information and a complete summer schedule, go to www.oakharborpool.com