Pearl City Swim School Turns 40, Honored By Local Lawmakers

State Rep. Mark Takai (second from left) and Sen. David Ige (far right) present Leahi Swim School president Ben Komer (far left) with a certificate of recognition to mark the school's 40th year. Also pictured (from left) are swim teachers Quinn Thierbach and Austin Ayer, with students of the swim school. (Takai himself was an All-American swimmer at Pearl City High School.) Photo from LaReaux Communications.

In honor of Leahi Swim School’s 40th anniversary earlier this month, state Sen. David Ige and Rep. Mark Takai presented a certificate of recognition to school founder Lori Komer and her son and school president Ben Komer.

Founded in 1974, Leahi Swim School in Pearl City operates in partnership with Pearl City Community Center. The school also has a second location on the campus of St. Francis School. Leahi offers classes for swimmers age 6 months and up, ranging from beginner to intermediate lessons.

Lori Komer is a charter member of the U.S. Swim School Association, as well as a certified lifeguard. Ben, also a certified lifeguard, has been a swimming instructor since he was 14.

“Teaching swimming is part technique, part intuition, part trust and part experience,” said Lori. Each teacher is personally hired and lifeguard-certified by the Komers and must apprentice under a seasoned school instructor before taking on his or her own class.

For more information, visit leahiswimschool.com.