Reading, writing, and arithmetic are considered the important academic building blocks in one’s formative years. Swimming lessons are not essential – at least not in most schools. They should be.

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Outside, it's a crisp, 40-degree Friday morning, but inside the Hilton Raleigh North Hills' swimming pool, the water is warm and Amy Joyner's students are suited up, sitting by the ...

Ryker Gardner (left), 8, waits as Haylee Turner, 7, jumps in near swim instructor Alexis Fraundorfer during "Learn to Swim" lessons at Prospect Pool on Wednesday morning. Mirror photo by Linden ...

Jul. 9—At Silver Lake Pool, about a dozen Boys & Girls Club members ages 7-9 were full of energy. Astrid Jones dunked her head under water, and came up cracking a smile. Marquez Neal showed off his ...

After a busy day in the heat and humidity, my youngest two children hunkered down in their rooms, but my oldest wanted to cool off at the neighborhood pool. He and I found an unusually small crowd, ...