SPRING ARBOR, MI -- The 30 or so adults in Linda Crouchs mid-morning water aerobics class are unique in her 19 years of teaching such classes.

We dont have the same mom and dad, she said, but we're family. Someone will have experienced what youre going through. They can tell you whats going on, and what you might try. Thats why weve grown so close.

The class members come together for exercise, but give and receive much more.

This is my exercise class and social time, Joette Saari said.

Ive learned to visit with people and still hear what Linda is telling us to do, she said. If you want to visit and still stay up with her program, you learn to multitask."

Saari is also the group's unofficial "welcoming committee."

I appreciated how friendly and helpful everyone was when I came for the first time," she said. I make it a point to introduce myself to new people and remember everybodys name. Im proud that I can do that and make them feel good that somebody knows their name.

So everyone else asks me, Who is that person? if they dont remember.

The co-ed class of mostly senior citizens meets at Spring Arbor Universitys pool each weekday during the academic year and at the Ella Sharp Park pool during the summer.

Crouch is the universitys head lifeguard and works in the City of Jacksons Parks, Recreation and Grounds Department.

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Water aerobics classmates have grown so close that 'we're family'