Aquatics Newsletter: Choosing a Swim Cap

Aquatics Newsletter | October 2011 | VBgov.com/Parks

If you are shopping for a swim cap, you might be a bit overwhelmed in narrowing down the right choice. Swim caps come in an array of styles, colors and materials. They are designed to do a bevy of things, including keeping long hair out of the face, keeping hair protected from chlorine, keeping the head warm when swimming in cold or open water, making swimmers more visible and most importantly, aiding in swimming faster by reducing drag. Contrary to popular belief, swim caps are not effective at keeping hair dry.

So how do you decide what you need? Take a look at the material and the benefits provided. Swim caps are made in three main materials: latex/rubber, silicone and lycra.

Latex Swim Caps
Latex caps have been around since the early 1920's and are made of a very durable rubber. These caps are very popular with the competitive swimming community due to their tight fit. Though these caps tend to be more difficult to put on, they protect the hair well against chlorine in the pool. Latex caps are the most affordable of all caps available and are priced around $3 and up. One drawback to latex caps is that many people suffer from latex allergies.

Silicone Swim Caps
Silicone caps are quickly becoming the most popular of all swim caps, due in large part to the growing number of people allergic to latex. These caps are very easy to put on and protect the hair well against water. However, the cap tends to roll up easier on the sides and applies more pressure to the ears during wear. Silicone caps, a bit more expensive than latex caps, are priced around $6 and up.

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Lycra Swim Caps
Lycra swim caps are more comfortable than either latex or silicone caps. Lycra caps are durable and easy to put on and take off. Some drawbacks include issues with slippage, staying on the head and protecting the hair against water. These caps are more for recreational swimmers and would not be recommended for true competitive swimmers. Lycra caps are the most expensive of the three, priced around $10 and up.

Whether you're new to the sport of swimming, or already benefitting from swim workouts, hopefully this will help you find a cap to fit your swimming needs. See you in the pool!

Kids: Try Something New in the Water!

Approach ∙ Hurdle ∙ Twister

It's not the prediction of a coming storm, but rather the makings of a fun day at the pool! Have you always wanted to do something spectacular off the diving board? Potential divers ages 7-15 should sign up for an Introductory Springboard Diving class. Learn basic diving skills, including approaches, forward, back, inward, reverse and half-twist dives off a 1-meter diving board. Participants must be deep water safe and be able to dive off the diving board.

Bayside | M, W | Oct 24 - Nov 21 | 7:30-8:30 pm | $43 | Register!
Bayside | M, W | Jan 9 - Feb 8 | 7:30-8:30 pm | $47 | Register!

Got Game?

Water polo is a game in which two teams enlist their reserves of stamina and strength to battle it out in the pool. The object is to score the most goals for your team. Do you have it in you? Youth age 10-17 can learn how to play through our Introduction to Water Polo clinics. We'll teach you the basic rules of the game, strategy and basic techniques needed to play water polo. Participants must be comfortable swimming in the deep end.

Princess Anne | F | Nov 18 | 6-7 pm | $10 | Register!
Great Neck | W | Dec 28 | 6-7pm | $10 | Register!
Bayside | W | Jan 11 | 6-7 pm | $10 | Register!

Learning to Swim: A Skill That Lasts a Lifetime

Woman in Pool Looking for swim lessons? We offer swim lessons based on the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program. Levels are set up in order to reach milestones reasonably. Emphasis in the swim program is on student progress and not on passing to the next level. Students are taught to progress in their swimming and will move onto the next level of instruction when they have demonstrated the skills and maturity necessary to handle the next class level. Each level builds on the previous level, so it's important to have an understanding of the levels before registering and throughout the Learn to Swim program. Let us help figure out in which level to place yourself or your child.

Level 1 is the introduction to water skills. This level is for students who are non-swimmers or those who do not submerge their head or body.
Level 2 begins with the fundamental aquatic skills. Students should be able to fully submerge their head, float on their front and back with some support for about 3 seconds.
Level 3 starts stroke development. Students entering level 3 should be able to swim 5 body lengths using both arms and legs.
Level 4 is where students improve on their strokes. Level 4 students must be able to swim 15 yards front crawl, 15 yards elementary backstroke, 10 yards scissor kick and tread water for 30 seconds. Level 4 may be taught in primarily deeper water, so students need to feel comfortable in deep water.
Level 5 is for stroke refinement. Students need to be able to swim 25 yards front crawl using rhythmic breathing. Rhythmic breathing occurs when students are able to put their face in the water and turn to the side to breathe. Students must also be able to complete 25 yards elementary backstroke, 15 yards back crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke and tread water for 2 minutes.

If you or your child have been out of lessons for a while, you may need to register for either the same level or previous level they may have taken or completed. Lessons are progressive and even the shortest amount of time out of lessons may cause regress. Whatever level you or your child are in, whether you are new to lessons or not, you or your child will learn to swim or improve swimming skills in a fun, challenging and positive atmosphere.

You can register for lessons in person at any recreation center or online through EZreg.

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

The pool at Bayside Recreation Center will be closed for maintenance through October 23.

The pool at Seatack Recreation Center will be closed for renovations until late November.

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed on November 11 for Veteran's Day. They will also be closed on November 24-25 for Thanksgiving.

Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.

We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.