Olympians to teach swimming and water safety in Palm Desert Saturday

Olympic athletes will teach swimming and water safety in Palm Desert this weekend, according to a city spokesman.

Olympic swimming medalists Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Eric Shanteau, Chloe Sutton, Brian Goodell and Aaron Piersol will participate in the Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s “Swim to Win” event beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The free event, for beginning swimmers ages 5 and up, is part of the aquatic center’s observance of National Water Safety Month, city spokesman David Hermann said.

Lessons and water safety presentations will be given in English and Spanish. Those who attend the water safety program and finish the swimming lesson will get free use of the aquatic center for the rest of the day, Hermann said.

Evans is a former world record-holder who won five Olympic medals — four gold — and 45 American national titles. Gaines is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Both will sign autographs and bring their medals, Hermann said.

For information, call (760) 565-7467.