What’s Up? Video: The opening of city pools means an array of aquatics programs are here, too

Grace Hallowell:

What’s up College Station? I’m Grace Hallowell, and I’m joined once again with Ashley Waldon, our Recreation Supervisor for our pools and aquatic facilities. Hi, Ashley.

Ashley Waldon:

Hi, how are you?

Grace Hallowell:

I am doing well. It is heating up. It’s getting to be a Texas summer once again, and you’re here to tell us all about our summer aquatics programs.

Ashley Waldon:

Yes, ma’am. We have our pools opening on Saturday, May 27th at 12-7:00 p.m., so come on out and enjoy our pools. We have our Swim Lessons program that’s starting on June 5th, and that goes all the way through August. We have five different sessions that you can choose from, one of those being a weekend session if weekdays don’t work great for you. So get your kiddos out. Let’s get them swimming so that they can come enjoy the pool during public hours.

Grace Hallowell:

Yes, I know I did swim lessons all the way until middle school. I enjoyed them. It’s a good way to cool off while also staying active and learning an important skill. What else is happening?

Ashley Waldon:

So, for our adult programs, we have our water aerobics classes that start on May 30. Our first class is at 7 a.m. We have three classes. Those are all hosted over at Cindy Hallaran, Monday-Friday from 7-8 a.m., 8:15-8:45 a.m. and 9-10 a.m. So come enjoy a nice workout where you can stay cool, but still be outside.

Grace Hallowell:

Yes.

Ashley Waldon:

Additionally, if you’re interested in maybe improving on lap swimming, we have our Master Swim program that’s starting June 5. That’s a Monday, Wednesday, Friday program from 6:30-8 a.m. Our swim coaches will help you out with stroke refinement. They provide you with a workout. Alternatively, if you just want to swim laps, we have our lap swim open at Adamson Lagoon Pool from 6:30-8:00 a.m.

Grace Hallowell:

I know lap swimming is something that can seem kind of intimidating if you’ve never done it. You watch it on TV for the Olympics and you think, “Oh my gosh, that’s so difficult.” But yeah, the instructors there will definitely help guide you. Is there anything that anyone would need to bring equipment wise, goggles, swim caps?

Ashley Waldon:

Bring your goggles. Be sure you’re in a swimsuit.

Grace Hallowell:

Yes.

Ashley Waldon:

If you want to keep your hair out of your face, swim caps are very useful for that, especially if you have longer hair. Although it’s not a requirement to have a swim cap or goggles, just a swimsuit is required.

Grace Hallowell:

And then there is a new program starting, correct?

Ashley Waldon:

Yes. We have our Longfellow Whales Tales that is starting June 1. That’s on Thursdays throughout the summer. It is a 30-minute safety lesson with our staff, and then a 30-minute free swim period. It’s at Adamson Lagoon Pool from 6-7 p.m. No registration is required. It’s geared more towards two to nine-year olds, although any ages can join. You do need to bring a parent with you, but we will go through how to be safe in, on, and around the water. We have different coloring activities and passports for each time that you show up. We’ll give you a little sticker and you can track how many Longfellow Whales Tales programs you attend.

Grace Hallowell:

How fun. Water safety is just as important as having fun in the water and making safety fun is a good way, especially for the younger kids, to want to remember these practices while they’re at the pool. If anyone has any questions about our pools, hours, the swim attire policy, where can they find out more?

Ashley Waldon:

At our website, cstx.gov/pools. Or you can call our front office at (979) 764-3486.

Grace Hallowell:

Thank you so much, Ashley.

Ashley Waldon:

Yes, ma’am. Thank you.

Grace Hallowell:

And that’s what’s up.

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