The City of Coral Gables honored the many volunteers of the Venetian Aquatic Club for teaching Red Cross Swimming lessons at Coral Gables Venetian Pool this summer, during an appreciation dinner on Sept. 27 at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus in the Gables.
A total of 60 active club members and nine associate members volunteered a total of 3,330 hours during six weeks in June, July and August, giving a total of 950 lessons over the summer. There also were 44 Junior Aides (young adults who have gone through the swim program who return to volunteer their time) devoting a total of 1,300 hours to assist Water Safety Instructors and Instructor Aides.
Present at the dinner, in order to show their appreciation to the club, and all they do to teach water safety in the community, were Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason, Commissioner Frank Quesada and Commissioner Ralph Cabrera.
Special thanks went out to all the volunteers who make this program possible, especially Red Cross Water Safety Instructors: Pat Alderman, Keile Allen, Lee Bailey, Jeaneen Bell, Amy Bogardus, Eileen Brennan, Robin Burr, Christine Dallas, Sonia Dallas, Susan Elwell, Jill Galliano, Sondra Galperin, Kristin Gasser, Lynette Herbert, Kathy Hills, June Halloway, Susan Halloway, Ann Lemaire, Sonia Lipson, Magdalena Luciani, Ana Rhodes, Monique Rosenberg, Tracy Telles and Alisa Weiner.
The Venetian Aquatic Club was formed in 1959 by a group of women who were concerned with the water safety of residents in Coral Gables and the surrounding communities. The nonprofit organization has been dedicated to teaching both children and adults Red Cross Swimming at the beautiful historic Coral Gables Venetian Pool for more than 53 years.
Adult swimming lessons will continue to be offered throughout the fall.
For more information about the Venetian Aquatic Club, visit the website at www.VenetianAquaticClub.org
