Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center at Gaines Park is offering year-round swimming lessons for children and adults as water-safety advocates warn that Florida has one of the highest drowning rates in the country.

The sessions include classes for toddlers and beginner adult swimmers. "If you don't know how to swim, you can't save yourself," said Sheryl Khan, a reporter for WPB TV, during the segment about the program.

The segment described a 3-year-old, identified as Alexi, participating in lessons and noted an adult family member practicing basic skills in a separate class. The report said local instructors teach techniques aimed at helping swimmers avoid and respond to water emergencies in pools, lakes and the ocean.

Sheryl Khan also summarized the station's safety message: "The more they practice, the safer they'll be, as will the kids they're caring for." The segment said lessons are available year-round at the facility and provided a contact number for more information.

For more information, the segment listed (561) 804-4961 as the contact number for Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center.