By Monty Siekerman
For the 50th time, Sandy Neely has begun teaching Red Cross swimming lessons at the Ada Pool. Over the past have century, Sandy has taught three generations of Ada people about how to swim and about water safety. She has announced her retirement; this year will be her last as the local swimming instructor.

On Monday, 75 people from children ages through adult years began two-week lessons in four levels of instruction. That’s the maximum number that can be taught in Ada. Year-after-year, Sandy’s classes are filled to the max.

Last month, at a surprise occasion, she was honored with a plaque installed at the pool. Her community efforts were recognized on the plaque that reads:

Saundra L. Neely
the “Swimming Lady”
has taught Red Cross swimming and water safety for 50 years. Here meritorious efforts helping youngsters, here at the Ada Pool, overcome their fear of water has likely saved lives. The residents of Ada are thankful for her caring attitude and appreciative of the impact she has made upon the community.
- June 22, 2018.

On that day, Mayor Dave Retterer proclaimed June 22, 2018, as Sandy Neely Day. The Governor’s Office and American Red Cross also recognized her excellence as a long-time swimming instructor in Ada.

Several years ago, she was named Citizen of the Year in Ada not only for her swimming instruction, but also for her other community efforts.