Keeping Cool in a South Sound YMCA Pool

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Day camps, swimming lessons, school break programs and family events are all part of the South Sound YMCA's daily work. Photo courtesy: South Sound YMCA
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Swim lessons at the Sound Sound YMCA begin at age 3.

Summer’s heat is a welcome arrival…. But when the heat becomes too much for too long, it’s easy to cool off in one of our region’s abundant aquatic playgrounds. Whether you prefer your fountain indoors or out, the South Sound YMCA is an ideal starting place for swimming lessons, pool activities, and water fitness classes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in 2009 “there were approximately 301 million swimming visits each year by persons over the age of six [and] thirty-six percent of children aged 7-17 years, and 15% of adults in the United States, swim at least six times per year.”

The Y provides everything from swimming lessons to lifeguard training, water fitness to splash-worthy summer camps. Anthony Arriola, the Aquatics Director for the Briggs Community Branch, and Courtney Covey, Aquatics Director for the Olympia Downtown Branch, are proud of the continued popularity of the Y’s many aquatic offerings.

Both Arriola and Covey are certified lifeguard instructors and are expanding the Y’s lifeguarding program. Lifeguard training schedules vary so contact the branch near you for specifics. They are often offered in conjunction with CPR and first aid classes.

south sound ymca
Bring a car load to either branch of the Sound Sound YMCA to enjoy the pools.

Both branches provide introductory swimming lessons for ages 3 through adult and stress that you don’t need to be a member to enroll. Beginner lessons for all ages are limited in size with an average of 6 students per teacher and available throughout the day and week.

Convinced you’re raising the next Michael Phelps or just want to be in the water more with a team of like-minded swim enthusiasts? The Orca Youth Swim Team is open to swimmers aged 6-18 interested in pre-competition skills and training in an exciting team setting.

But don’t think water fun is limited to a class-like setting. Summer campers aged 7-14 can Go H2O! the weeks of July 13-17, July 20-24 and those aged 5-12 can Make a Splash! the week of August 3-7. While both camps keep cool in and around the pool, Go H2O! culminates in an all-day field trip to the Wild Waves water park in Federal Way.

Adults, you’re not left out! The CDC also shows that “swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity.People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land. They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain.” Aquatic activities benefit the physical and mental health of pregnant women, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those with chronic issues.

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Day passes are available to enjoy the pools at the South Sound YMCA.

At the Y, adults can engage in mellow classes like Ai Chi, tai chi in the water, or more intense work-outs like Aqua Burn or the ever popular Aqua Zumba. There are also adult swimming lessons, open swim hours, and an array of choices for every ability and goal.

Adults can also take part in Master Swim, which incorporates competition-level training for those who participate in organized meets and triathlons or simply crave advanced work-outs to meet personal fitness goals.

South Sound YMCA aquatics classes and activities run from 5:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Briggs branch and from 5:45 a.m. through 8:45 p.m. at the Olympia Downtown branch. For most classes or lessons, online registration is available to members and non-members alike. Unsure about joining? Day passes are available and include all classes and location offerings. The Y also has discounted memberships available for military families, regional health plan members, and employees of many local businesses.

Arriola and Covey extend their warm welcome, “Come one, come all!”

Call the South Sound YMCA with questions at 360-753-6576 or visit either branch for a free guest pass. Financial assistance is also available to those who qualify.

Happily splashing in a cool, Y pool, I say, ‘bring on the heat wave!’

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