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INTO THE DEEP Garrett Lathan practices his floating as Melon Dash watches. All photos by Rachel Hackney FREE SWIMMING LESSONS AT THE ROBERT L. TAYLOR COMMUNITY COMPLEX HAVE BEEN A HIT THIS SUMMER WITH CHILDREN AND STAFF By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor Ten-year-old Garrett Lathan jumped off the ledge of the pool at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex in Newtown and swooped through a hoop held in the water by his swimming instructor, Melon Dash. more confidence as he first floated then swam — even in the deep section of the pool. "I found out I can float no matter where I go," he said. "Now I'm not afraid of 5 feet." "A-MAY-zing," Garrett They taught me to swim, how to sang out when Dash float. They taught me everything. I've asked how that felt. been able to do stuff I'd never been In a space of about 50 able to do. minutes on the morning of July 23, Garrett had gained more and Lucinda Louis Garrett was fearful of even putting his face in the water when he began the free lessons Dash and her 21st Century Swimming Lessons team began offer-