Plunging into lessons

: Owen Avery, 6, of Auburn rides on the back of Bates College sophomore Henry Schwab during the Bates Swim Lesson Program at the college in Lewiston on Wednesday. Avery is one of 80 children who will take eight one-on-one lessons with members of the Bates men’s and women’s swimming teams this spring. Swim coach Peter Casares started the program six years ago as a way for the team to raise money and connect with the community. Go to http://batesswimlessons.blogspot.com for more information.

: Rachel Pedersen helps Thomas Pratt, 4, of Turner with his diving technique during the Bates Swim Lesson Program at the college in Lewiston on Wednesday. Pratt is one of 80 children who will take eight one-on-one lessons with members of the Bates men’s and women’s swimming teams this spring. Swim coach Peter Casares started the program six years ago as a way for the team to raise money and connect with the community. Pedersen is a junior at Bates. Go to http://batesswimlessons.blogspot.com for more information.

: Pete Mihalcik encourages Henry Dimitri, 5, of Auburn during the Bates Swim Lesson Program at the college in Lewiston on Wednesday. Dimitri is one of 80 children who will take eight one-on-one lessons with members of the Bates men’s and women’s swimming teams this spring. Swim coach Peter Casares started the program six years ago as a way for the team to raise money and connect with the community. Mihalcik is a sophomore at Bates. Go to http://batesswimlessons.blogspot.com for more information.

: Henry Dimitri, 5, of Auburn rides on Pete Mihalcik’s shoulders during the Bates Swim Lesson Program at the college in Lewiston on Wednesday. Dimitri is one of 80 children who will take eight one-on-one lessons with members of the Bates men’s and women’s swimming teams this spring. Swim coach Peter Casares started the program six years ago as a way for the team to raise money and connect with the community. Mihalcik is a sophomore at Bates. Go to http://batesswimlessons.blogspot.com for more information.

: Bates College sophomore Andrew Seaton reacts as Christopher, 6, of Durham disappears beneath the water during the Bates Swim Lesson Program at the college in Lewiston on Wednesday.

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