POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Joint Recreation Committee has announced its 2014 summer programs, including free swimming, swimming lessons, pre-school and youth programs with bus service, lifeguard training and a field trip to Water Safari.

The beaches at Sandstoner Park on Pine Street and Postwood Park in Hannawa Falls are open daily for public swimming from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day through Aug. 24.

Here is a rundown of this summer’s activities:

• Swimming lessons for several levels of ability will be offered at Postwood Park Monday through Friday from June 30 to Aug. 8, except July 4, in either a 10 or 10:30 a.m. group, depending on the child’s ability and class size. Buses will pick up children taking lessons in the morning at designated pre-school points; those taking the bus to Postwood for lessons must return on the 11 a.m. bus. This year they are asking for a $25 donation ($40 per family) for swim lessons. There will be “pre-swim” tests and swimming lessons sign-ups Sunday, June 29 between 2 and 5 p.m. If you are unable to attend, you can sign up your children at Postwood on June 30 at 10 a.m. Two additional one-week sessions of swimming lessons will be held, Aug. 11-15 and Aug. 18-22. They will cost $25 per week per child, $40 for two children, and $50 for three or more children. For more information on swimming lessons, call the recreation office at 265-4030.

• The Learn to Swim program teaches young children swimming basics. A newly enhanced pre-school aquatics program for ages three to five will also be offered along with levels one to six at 10 or 10:30 a.m. daily at Postwood. The parent-tot aquatics program, for children 12 months to three years, will meet at Pine Street beach from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. This program will run June 30 through Aug. 8.

• The Potsdam Summer Recreation Program, under the direction of Tim Carey, offers a free summer pre-school and youth program at Pine Street Arena, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11 a.m., rain or shine, from June 30 through Aug. 8. The program provides games, crafts, and contests in a supervised environment for children. Town of Potsdam residents are eligible to participate -- ages 3 to 6 in the pre-school program and ages 7 to 13 in the youth group. The recreation program aims to provide a casual environment in which the children may choose to participate in activities that interest them the most. Frequency of participation in the program is determined by the convenience of each child's family. Signed parental waivers are required. A $15 donation per child or $30 per family is requested to help cover the expenses of materials and supplies. A free bus service picks up and drops off children daily. A counselor from the recreation program accompanies the children on the bus. The bus run schedule appears below. For more information contact Recreation Director Tim Carey at 265-4030.

• Bus service is offered for swimming and playground programs. Bus riders must be at least 4 years old, and must be escorted by a parent or other adult on the first day. Those wishing to take swimming lessons at Postwood Park ride in on the morning bus to Pine Street Arena, then leave there at 9:30 a.m. for Postwood.

• The bus schedule: Morning runs, Bus 1, leaves garage at 8:15 a.m., turns around at Debra Drive, down Lawrence Avenue to Missouri Avenue, Grant Street and Main Street, Outer Main Street to downtown, up Market Street to Evergreen Park, returns to Pine Street arena. Bus 1 will depart for drop-off for the morning program at 10:45 a.m. Bus 2 departs Pine Street Arena at 8:30 a.m., to U. S. Hwy. 11, to Morley Road, to Slab City to West Potsdam to the Madrid Road with pickup at the end of Barker Road, then returns to Pine Street Arena. Afternoon runs: at 11:45 a.m., Bus 1 leaves Pine Street Arena, picks up Debra Drive, picls up at the middle school/daycare, then to Evergreen Park, to Postwood Park for afternoon recreational swimming. It then leaves Postwood Park for West Potsdam drop off at 1:30 p.m. and leaves Postwood Park at 2:15 p.m. for drop off at Debra Drive and middle school/dacare. For more information about bus runs, call Recreation Director Tim Carey at 265-4030.

• Lifeguard training will be offered at Postwood Park Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for six weeks beginning June 30. The program is open to anyone age 15 by Aug. 1, 2014 who can swim 550 meters continuously. Cost is $250.

• The recreation program will offer a field trip to Water Safari at Enchanted Forest Aug. 12 for $40 per person. The bus will leave at 7:30 a.m. and return at about 8:30 p.m. To register, call 265-4030.

More information on these programs and required waivers and other forms can be acquired by calling 265-4030 or visiting www.vi.potsdam.ny.us/Arenaweb/index.html.