Free swimming lessons are available this summer for children 18 months to 15 years old at two Talbot County pools, thanks to SOS Sink or Swim and the St. Michaels Community Center.

This is the fourth summer SOS is offering these free lessons. This year’s goal is to teach 1,000 local children to swim and be safe in the water.

“Talbot County is surrounded by 600 miles of water, and it is vital that our children know how to swim, for their safety and for fun,” SOS President Elizabeth C. Moose said. “Swimming is a lifetime skill that can save a life.”

Three, two-week swimming sessions will be held at the George Murphy Community Pool in Easton and at the Bay Hundred Community Pool in St. Michaels. Lessons are free, but registration is required, with an initial deadline of June 12. Deadlines for the second two sessions are July 3 and July 17. Registration forms can be found at www.sossinkorswim.org, at the St. Michaels Community Center or through the Talbot County Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, contact the St. Michaels Community Center at 410-745-6073. All applications must be mailed to the St. Michaels Community Center, P.O. Box 354, St. Michaels, Maryland 21663.

SOS recently re-structured, with the non-profit Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum coming aboard as its fiscal sponsor. To help fund SOS’s mission to teach children how to swim and be safe in the water, go to www.sossinkorswim.org and click “SUPPORT,” or send a check to SOS Sink or Swim, 606A North Talbot Street, Suite 109, St. Michaels, MD, 21663.