City’s swimming lessons see another successful year

One way to beat the summer heat is to take part in the swimming lessons offered at Silver Lake Beach through the City of Eagle River.

The lessons are offered select weeks in July for youths to learn the basics of water safety and get acquainted with being in the water. City Administrator Robin Ginner said there are usually between 40 and 60 children that sign up each year.

Instructor Joe Laux has led the program for several years and said it is very rewarding to see participants get comfortable in the water and build on their skills. Swimming has been a passion for much of his life, and he’s happy to share that joy with kids who want to learn.

For 2026, he had 54 kids sign up for instruction. Laux said each course he sees some swimmers that are repeating the class, but also many new faces.

“I’m really glad to see the progress with the kids,” Laux said, adding that those he sees come through the program really enjoy their time in the water.

His main goal in these courses is to make younger people comfortable in the water and teach them the basics, so that if they end up in a scary situation like being in the water without a life jacket, they don’t panic and can get themselves to shore.

Laux gets the training started, but welcomes other family members to sit in and be an active part of the process.

“I encourage the parents to come to the lessons and learn what they’re learning so they can work with them later on and continue building on the skills,” Laux said.

The beach was busy for classes during last Tuesday’s heat advisory, as temperatures were already well into the 80s by mid-morning. Children and their parents were able to spend much of the morning splashing in the water while also learning valuable skills.

Swimming for all ages

The swimming lessons are open to all ages. Training is broken up by age groups, where Laux begins by showing the younger group the basics — using kickboards and diving toys — before working into older age groups that work on their free swimming skills.

“The goal is to get them comfortable with no assistance,” he said.

Laux said there has been really good weather for the lessons this year, which isn’t always the case. Week one sessions ran July 6-9 and the second set from July 13-16. Kids can sign up for one or both weeks, with the goal of continuing to build their confidence and water skills.

Students Annmarie and Crosby Mangene of Eagle River took part in the first week of lessons where they practiced swimming in the deep side of the pier.

This was the second year they have taken part in the courses. Crosby said his favorite part was going into the deep end of the swimming area, and that he prefers to swim above water and on his back. Annmarie spent some time at the end of the lesson practicing her frog kick in the deep water.

Six-year-old Micah Zimpelmann was in his third year of lessons during the second week of courses. Although he and his family visit each year from Minnesota — a state dubbed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” — this is still their favorite place to swim. They come to visit Micah’s grandparents, Jerry and Lynn Zimpelmann..

Keeping traditions

Swimming lessons have long been offered at the beach, but after a hiatus, they were brought back in 2019 thanks to efforts by the Eagle River Rotary Club to make improvements to the beach and pier areas.

The club raised about $30,000 for improvements and then teamed up with the city to bring back the lessons.

Instructor Laux is a Rotarian and former city administrator which made him a natural fit to lead the courses.

Ginner, who now serves as city administrator, said she herself learned to swim at Silver Lake Beach as a child, noting that it is especially meaningful to her to see a new generation have that same opportunity.

“In a community surrounded by lakes and rivers, teaching children how to swim is one of the best investments we can make. These lessons help build confidence, encourage water safety, and create memories that last a lifetime,” she said.

Another amenity that returned in 2026 is the concession stand at the beach.

“It’s been wonderful to see the concession stand open again after being closed for so many years,” Ginner said. “For a lot of us who grew up spending summers at Silver Lake Beach, grabbing a popsicle or snack from the concession window was just part of the experience. Now a new generation of kids gets to enjoy that same tradition.

“It’s a small thing, but it helps recreate the kind of community atmosphere and memories that has made Silver Lake Beach such a special place for generations.”

Lessons for this year have concluded, but announcements begin in late spring through the city for anyone who would like to sign up for next year. For more information, contact city hall at 715-479-8682.