School of swimmers: fitting swimming into a student's schedule can be a smooth transition with the right planning.(FIELD REPORT: Developing an aquatics curriculum)

High school in Malibu, Calif., conjures images of well-tanned students lying at poolside or playing a vicious game of water volleyball. But as with many schools, Malibu students have limited use of their outdoor pool: September and October, then April to June. Otherwise, it's too cold, says Mike Mulligan, head of the school's physical education department.

Mulligan is trying to remedy that situation by partnering with an existing swim program--in this case, the American Red Cross--and offer a full course that leads to certification.

When it comes to merging education with aquatics, experts say this kind of cooperation is key. Educators like piggybacking with an existing program because it saves in costs, liability and management hassles. And as people most familiar with such programs, operators are just the ones to introduce schools to such programs--bringing more kids and parents to local facilities in the process.

Of course, there's more to it than simply handing out a manual. Often, programs must be modified to offer a mix of aquatics and education. Pool operators also must help address thorny issues such as staffing and funding. But when a plan emerges, everyone wins.

"It's exciting when [beginner students] can move into the deep end," Mulligan says.

Partnering with an agency such as the Red Cross or Starfish Aquatics Institute can help get students there. "A school with limited gym periods can design its program around the time that it has available," says Jennifer White, director of swim schools at Starfish Aquatics Institute in Savannah, Ga. Currently, Starfish is designing a physical education-specific program for schools.

The American Red Cross works with a large number of schools and its program, too, can be tailored to fit any curriculum, says Pam King, spokesperson for the Washington, D.C.-based agency. In the end, students still need to pass a swim test.