EL DORADO, Ark. — Families looking for productive ways to keep their children active this summer may not have to travel far. At HealthWorks Fitness Center in El Dorado, a growing swim program is helping children build confidence, stay active and learn skills that could one day save their lives.

HealthWorks offers private and group swim lessons designed to help children of different ages and ability levels become more comfortable in and around the water.

The program’s primary goal is not simply teaching children how to swim laps. Instructors also help students learn how to remain calm, control their breathing, float and move toward the side of a pool if they unexpectedly enter the water alone.

Swim coach Diego Valero said introducing children to basic water-survival skills at an early age can help them respond more effectively during an emergency. As children become more familiar with the water, they can replace panic with practical skills and greater confidence.

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Those lessons are particularly important during the summer months, when families spend more time around swimming pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

Swimming also provides benefits beyond water safety. Regular lessons can help children develop coordination, endurance and strength while giving them a positive outlet for their energy.

The program offers a local answer to the familiar complaint that there is nothing for children to do in the community. By taking a closer look at programs already available in South Arkansas, families may discover activities that are entertaining, educational and beneficial long after summer ends.

Lessons for Different Ages and Skill Levels

HealthWorks Swim School uses the American Red Cross Water Safety and Learn-to-Swim programs. Its instructors are certified American Red Cross lifeguards and water-safety instructors.

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Group lessons are limited to six students per instructor, allowing children to receive more individualized guidance while still learning alongside other swimmers.

The program offers lessons for children beginning at six months old.

Its Diaper Dippers program introduces children between six months and 3 years old to the water with a parent or guardian present. Songs, toys and guided activities are used to help young children become comfortable while parents receive information about water safety.

Older children can advance through five Learn-to-Swim levels:

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• Level 1 introduces basic water skills and is recommended for children who are not yet comfortable putting their heads underwater.
• Level 2 focuses on fundamental aquatic skills such as floating and gliding.
• Level 3 introduces stroke development and longer swimming movements.
• Level 4 works on stroke improvement, treading water and swimming greater distances.
• Level 5 helps experienced swimmers refine six swimming strokes and learn flip turns.

Children progress at their own pace, with instructors building upon each swimmer’s comfort level and existing skills.

Free assessment tests are available before group sessions to help determine the safest and most appropriate placement for each child.

From First Lessons to Competitive Swimming

Children who develop stronger swimming skills may also have the opportunity to continue through the Southern Arkansas Swim Club’s Thunder Turtles summer league team.

The summer league practices at HealthWorks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Separate practice periods are offered for beginner-focused and advanced swimmers.

Participants must be able to swim 25 yards without assistance before joining the summer league team.

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The club provides young swimmers with opportunities to practice regularly, participate in meets and develop their skills in a team environment. The 2026 schedule includes competitions in El Dorado, Monticello and Arkadelphia, along with the Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Whether a child is entering the water for the first time or preparing for competition, the programs provide opportunities to build discipline, friendships and confidence.

How Families Can Begin

Families interested in HealthWorks Swim School can visit the front desk at HealthWorks Fitness Center, located at 304 N. Madison Avenue in El Dorado, and request an enrollment form.

The enrollment form includes options for private lessons and group sessions. Parents can also review program information, lesson procedures and answers to frequently asked questions before registering.

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For questions about HealthWorks Swim School, families may contact the aquatics department at 870-862-5442, extension 13.

Questions about the Southern Arkansas Swim Club may be directed to Diego Valero at 870-918-2238 or [email protected].

For South Arkansas families searching for something worthwhile for their children to do, the program demonstrates that local opportunities are available. Sometimes, families simply have to look a little closer beneath the surface.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — New and expectant parents across South Arkansas are invited to attend a Community Baby and Safety Shower designed to connect families with essential supplies, education and local support services.

The event will take place Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, located at 3209 West Hillsboro Street in El Dorado.

The shower is being hosted by TOUCH Coalition, which stands for Tremendous Opportunities for Union County Health, in partnership with Ambetter Health & Wellness, the UAMS Institute for Community Health and the UAMS Family Medicine Clinic.

While supplies last, families attending the event will be able to receive diapers, wipes and baby formula. A free boutique featuring baby clothing and other infant items will also be available.

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Arkansas Children’s Hospital representatives will be on site to provide car-seat safety checks and education. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their child’s car seat to receive guidance on proper installation and use.

Safe-sleep classes will be offered at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Participants who complete one of the classes may receive a portable Pack ’n Play while supplies are available.

More than 30 vendors are expected to participate, offering resources, supplies, educational materials and information about services available to children and families throughout the region.

Organizers say the event is intended to help parents prepare for their new arrival while learning about infant safety, health and community resources in a welcoming environment.

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EL DORADO, AR – Lance Evan Yarbrough left this world on February 14, 2025, at the young age of 21, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, a contagious passion for life, and unbreakable strength. Lance’s family often said that Lance was the “grand finale” of the children born to Larry D. and Shaneil “PJ” Yarbrough. Growing up as the son of a Pastor, Lance not only cofessed his faith at a young age but let it show in the way he lived. Attending Changing Lives Ministries Church, Lance became passionately involved in the church’s youth and media ministries. For almost his entire life, Lance knew what it took to become a champion. He was often chosen by coaches, opponents, and teammates to represent as an All-Star; whether the sport was basketball, baseball, or any other. Once in high school, Lance took to the track and helped bring home the 5A State Championship to El Dorado.

After graduating from El Dorado High School in 2022, and receiving tuition through the El Dorado Promise, Lance turned down multiple scholarship opportunities to run track and instead focused on his education at the University of Arkansas. He majored in English, Creative Writing and maintained an impressive 3.6 GPA. However, in July of 2024, just before starting his junior year, Lance was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Described by family as “facing the battle with unwavering courage, and refusing to let his illness define him, Lance remained positive and full of faith until the very end.

The Team Lance Fun Run was held over the weekend as a way to honor Lance’s spirit and passion. Monies raised from the event go to an account established to provide academic scholarships and support for 20 to 25 year old young adults diagnosed with cancer. Those who wish to make contributions to the account can go to any First Financial Bank location or utilize CashApp with $TeamLanceY, Venmo with @TeamLanceY or can mail their donation to Team Lance at P.O. Box 51, Alexander, Arkansas 72002

Union County officials say congratulations are in order for the women working behind the scenes at the Union County 911 Call Center.

The Union County Quorum Court has officially passed an ordinance recognizing 911 dispatchers as first responders, according to Union County Judge Mike Loftin.

Loftin told South Arkansas Now that dispatchers serve as a vital connection between people facing an emergency and the police officers, firefighters and medical personnel sent to help them.

“911 dispatchers act as a lifeline in critical situations between those in distress and the emergency services personnel,” Loftin said.

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Dispatchers are often the first people to speak with someone during a medical emergency, fire, automobile accident or dangerous situation. They must quickly gather information, determine what kind of emergency is taking place and send the correct responders to the scene.

Loftin said a dispatcher’s ability to remain calm and understand the situation can make an important difference when every second matters.

“Being able to assess the situation is crucial,” Loftin stated in a release provided to South Arkansas Now. “The person on the other end of the line needs someone who can understand the kind of help that is needed, and these dispatchers ensure that the help they need promptly arrives.”

Because dispatchers are the first people to answer calls for help, Loftin said they deserve to be recognized as the “first of the first responders.”

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While the work can be rewarding, dispatchers told South Arkansas Now that it can also be emotionally difficult. They regularly communicate with people who are frightened, injured or experiencing one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Some calls involve tragic or frightening circumstances. Even while hearing those situations unfold, dispatchers must remain composed, collect accurate information and guide callers until emergency personnel arrive.

The emotional effects of those calls do not always disappear at the end of a shift. Dispatchers may carry the memories of difficult conversations home with them, making mental strength and support from their coworkers especially important.

Matthews said she also plans to send members of her team to career fairs and other community events to raise awareness about the work performed inside the call center.

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The outreach will give dispatchers an opportunity to explain how the center serves Union County and keeps communication moving among law enforcement officers, fire departments, emergency medical personnel and other first responders.

Matthews said the call center currently has two full-time positions available. One opening is for a full-time dispatcher. The other is for a full-time floater who would provide coverage when another employee is sick, on vacation or otherwise unable to work.

Those interested in applying may call the Union County 911 Call Center at 870-864-1990. An application will then be sent to the prospective applicant by email.

The ordinance recognizes that dispatchers do far more than answer telephones. They make quick decisions, provide reassurance and help coordinate emergency responses throughout Union County.

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For Loftin and other county officials, formally naming 911 dispatchers as first responders acknowledges the important role they play in protecting the public and helping emergency personnel reach those who need them.

“Because our 911 dispatchers are the first to answer the call, they should be considered the first of the first responders,” Loftin said.

Sandy & Boomer are back on the Big Couch and Off The Back Porch. This week they welcome Anna Sellers of Sellers & Co. Sellers & Co. is a personal management company that can handle nearly any task from de-cluttering to picking out the perfect Father’s Day gift, to helping make your next supper club the best it has ever been.