Aquatics header
Aquatics Newsletter | June 2012 | VBgov.com/Parks
Providing Equal Access for All

 

Pool RampAll individuals are welcomed and encouraged to participate in our recreation programs. Swimming, in particular, lends itself well for all ages and abilities. It's a healthy, low-cost activity which can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Our recreation center pools and staff are equipped to remove access barriers and help our patrons have a positive swimming experience. Portable lifts are available at Bayside, Bow Creek, Great Neck and Princess Anne pools to assist with entry into the pool. By the end of the year, all pools will have a lift available. Additionally, the Princess Anne pool has a wheelchair ramp (pictured above) which has been very well received as an added means of entry for those requiring it.

The new Williams Farm Recreation Center, scheduled to open in September, offers a zero-depth, or beach entry, pool. Positioned at the shallow end, the entry point is constructed to be virtually even with the deck. Sloping from the deck - like a ramp - into the pool water, the entry becomes progressively deeper with each step you take, providing a gentle transition into deeper water.

If additional support is needed, the City's Inclusion Support Services ensure that individuals are provided with opportunities to participate in our programs and facilities in an inclusive environment. Inclusion staff strive to make every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals with barriers (i.e., physical, mental, economic, access), thus enabling successful participation. The service is provided free of charge for individuals who request the service and are registered for a general recreation program or service. Services can range from writing an accommodation plan for a child who has ADHD to providing an interpreter for a student with a hearing impairment.

To access this service, complete the Inclusion, Accommodation & Special Needs Request Form and submit it with your course registration. Two weeks' notice is required to ensure appropriate accommodations. Eligibility requirements (age, level of participation) must be met in order to participate. You will be contacted by an Inclusion Specialist once the form is processed.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about these services, please call (757) 385-0444.
Pool Calendars
 
Find Us On Facebook!
Pool Events
6/29 | Movie in the Pool: Nanny McPhee | Princess Anne

7/6 | Float-a-Rama | Bayside

7/14 | Float-a-Rama | Bow Creek

7/22 | Float-a-Rama | Princess Anne
Learn to Swim!
Space is available in many of our Learn to Swim classes this summer! Make sure your child is safe around the water by signing them up for lessons.


New! Month-to-Month Memberships

Available July 1 | For Adults, Seniors & Non-Residents
 

SwimmerWant to join our recreation centers, but don't want to pay for a full year up front? Beginning July 1, you can enjoy all of the great benefits of a membership, without the annual commitment!
 
Our new month-to-month membership option enables you to pay a low monthly fee using a credit or debit card, with the option to cancel at any time with a 30-day notice. No commitment and no joining fees. Ever. 
 
Month-to-Month Rates
Adult | $11/month
Senior | $9/month
Non-Resident | $31/month

Sign up for a month-to-month membership at any Virginia Beach Recreation Center starting on July 1! As always, annual memberships are available for kids, adults, seniors and non-residents. Learn more about our membership options.
Shining from the Stand at Princess Anne Recreation Center

 

KatieKatie Eberwein, the Princess Anne Outstanding Lifeguard of the Season, has been swimming since she was only a few months old. As Katie grew, so did her swimming skills. She began competitive swimming at age 6 and continued through high school. Katie recalls listening to her mom tell fantastic stories about her own experiences as a lifeguard while in high school, which motivated Katie to sign up for a Lifeguard Training course. She was hired by Princess Anne Recreation Center and describes the job offer like "coming home" because she spent so much time there swimming for Kellam High School.
 

Katie absolutely loves working as a lifeguard! She really enjoys meeting and talking to people. She loves the opportunity to get in the water and swim as part of her skills training, and she especially enjoys the people she works with. She admits it can be challenging at times, but finds those experiences to be helpful for growth. Katie recalls having a rough day during spring break dealing with the behavior of some of the kids. After addressing the issue, she walked away feeling deflated. Another guard on duty backed her up, which made her feel great. She says the story illustrates what a good team she works with, and is an example of why she feels valued at PA.
 

When asked about the Outstanding Lifeguard of the Season award, Katie is extremely humble. She is almost embarrassed at her nomination and starts to list the attributes of several co-workers. Katie's co-workers and supervisors overwhelmingly agree that her upbeat, positive attitude is inspiring. Her habit of continually pitching in to help others, doing more than her part, is appreciated. One of her co-workers even noted, "Katie motivates us to be better lifeguards." That is priceless.

Beat the Heat!

 

HeatThere is no doubt the summer months are our warmest months of the year. In fact, sometimes the summer heat is unbearable. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. In fact, NOAA reported over two hundred fatalities in 2011. 

 

Here are some suggestions to beat the heat and stay safe this summer: 

 

1. Know the difference between an excessive heat watch, advisory or warning. 
2. Know the signs of a heat related illness and take action immediately.
3. Watch out for those objects left outside!  They are heated by the sun and pose danger.
4. Drink plenty of fluids. 
5. Dress appropriately. 

 

More information about the tips above can be found here.

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

 

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed on July 4 for Independence Day. 

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