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Spring Catalogs Available Online!
Start thinking spring with a look at our Spring 2010 Youth and Adult Program Catalogs. Printed catalogs will be available in early March and registration begins March 13. |
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Pool Schedule Codes Deciphered
Are you interested in utilizing one of Parks and Recreation's six swimming pools, but having trouble deciphering the codes on the pool calendar? (See links to the right.) Here are explanations for three of the most commonly misunderstood pool activities:
EX: Self-directed exercise means there is free space in the pool for patrons to come in and perform water exercise. Patrons are encouraged to bring in their own equipment and guide their own exercises during this time.
LM/LY: Lap swim, in either meters or yards, is for patrons who are deep water safe and able to swim at least one lap (two lengths). Lanes are categorized according to speed, so swimmers are asked to select a lane that is best suited to ability. Lap swim participants must be at least 14 years old. Those under the age requirement must be supervised in the water by an adult participating in lap swim. When lap swim is held in conjunction with open swim, patrons under the age of 14 will be permitted to swim laps without adult supervision.
OP: Open swim is defined as the areas of the pool not dedicated to lap lanes. There are many different pool configurations for open swim. On some pool calendars, open swim may be designated as "OP-S" during which time only the shallow end is open for free swim, or as "OP-D" during which time only the deep end is open for free swim. If the calendar indicates "OP*" there is free swim available, but space is limited. Open swim is an ideal time for families to come utilize the pool to swim together and have some fun. |
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New Accessibility Ramp at PA Pool
 Thanks to a generous donation by the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation, swimmers with limited mobility will now be able to easily enter the pool at Princess Anne Recreation Center. The Foundation dedicated a new accessibility ramp and submersible wheelchair on January 29, 2010. Swimmers who wish to use the accessibility ramp or submersible wheelchair should speak to an Aquatic Unit supervisor at the pool.
The Foundation is a non-profit partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Their mission is to secure, manage and invest privately raised funds, gifts and bequests in support of Parks and Recreation programs, services and facilities. |
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Tip: Improve Your Swimming Efficiency
 An easy way to work on becoming more efficient when swimming is to work on "distance per stroke," or DPS. This technique can be used while swimming any stroke. Swim one length (25 meters or yards) and count how many strokes it takes. With freestyle and backstroke, count each arm as it recovers and your hand enters the water.
Try another length, reducing the number of strokes by one. Swim two more lengths, holding the same count. Now the challenge - swim two lengths (50 meters or yards) and count strokes on each length. Can you hold the count for each length?
You may find that you get tired doing this drill - that's good. You may be using muscles in your back that you don't usually use when swimming. Keep your head down and go for a long, relaxed pull. Don't over-kick. |
Do you have a child with an interest in becoming a lifeguard? Our Junior Lifeguarding program is designed to provide youth between the ages of 10 and 14 with some knowledge of and respect for the swimming pool environment. Instruction is provided in elementary forms of water rescue skills, as well as building swimming endurance.