Families interested in their children learning swimming techniques are advised to look to the Crafton Crocodiles Swim Team.

The summer program, which is preparing to begin its 42nd year, runs through June and July.

Initial registration will take place this Saturday at Crafton Pool from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

A second registration will be held on June 4 from 6 to 8 pm.

Practice for the team kicks off June 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

Swimmers between the ages of 5 and 18 are eligible to register, as long as they can swim the length of the pool.

Registration fee is $30 per individual, which includes instruction and practice time at Crafton Pool. Parents are also encouraged to help with swim meets and fundraisers during the season.

"On average, we have between 120 and 170 kids registered every summer," said Diane Millikin, league representative for the Crocodiles.

The high turnout each summer comes mainly from repeat performers, who start at a young age.

"Most of the kids who get involved really enjoy their first experience with it," said Millikin, "and that keeps them coming back from summer to summer."

The Crocodile tradition focuses on having fun while developing fundamental swimming skills. According to Millikin, beginning swimmers are introduced to four basic strokes. Once the strokes are learned, they are improved through structured practices, preparing the swimmers for competitive meets.

A summer competing for the Crocodiles inspires some to become full-time, focused swimmers. Others participate in different sports during the school year but return to swimming for the summer.

"The year-round swimmers we have, and the summer-only swimmers all get along during the season," said Millikin, "everyone just gets together and has a good time with it, I think that's what really makes it special."

Additional information on the Crocodiles and the Crafton Pool can be found at www.crafton.org [1].