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Thank You to Our Summer Youth Volunteers!
 In the Aquatic Unit, we are fortunate to have the help of some very talented volunteers. These young people assist by working as Junior Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructor Aides once they have completed the appropriate training course. Junior Lifeguards help the Lifeguards keep the pool safe by observing swimming patrons, enforcing rules and performing maintenance duties. You'll often see Junior Lifeguards during our busiest times, such as summer camp swim, Float-a-Rama and competitive swim meets. Some of the dedicated Junior Lifeguards who donated their time to us this summer include Will Baber, Eric Busam, Hayley Carter, Kevin Costner, Franco Falla, Allison Fortner, Jonathan Gedamu, Nathaniel Gedamu, Mariah Holman, Logan Hudgins, Rebecca Irwin, Jay Lavina, Matthew Menia, Anthony Movizzo, Morgan Ohliger, Connor Penny, Dylan Penny, Kayla Rhoades and Sat Paul Singh. Water Safety Instructor Aides assist Instructors during group swimming lessons by working one-on-one with students, performing stroke demonstration, providing additional direction and setting up equipment. Their presence really enhances the instructional program. Some of the dedicated Water Safety Instructor Aides who donated their time to us this summer include Raina Alholinna, Millie Cheng, Amanda Guevara, Jaclyn Guevara, Veronica Sutter and Megan Via. There are also volunteers certified as both Junior Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructor Aides: Kelly Corkery, Alex Fortner, Sara Phillips and Zachary Phillips.
All of the volunteers mentioned have donated a combined 600 hours to the Aquatic Unit in June and July alone! We truly appreciate their contributions to our team and hope there are more young people out there who want to join them.
Junior Lifeguards are certified by taking the Junior Lifeguard course and Water Safety Instructor Aides are certified by completing the Water Safety Instructor Aide Mentorship. You can learn more about these programs by speaking to an aquatics supervisor at any recreation center.
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Is Your Child Ready for the Winter Swim League?
 Are you entertaining the idea of having your child join Parks & Recreation's Winter Swim League? Here are a few important questions to determine whether or not your child is ready:
Does your swimmer meet the age requirement?
Winter Swim League registrants must be at least 6 years and no older than 17 on or before November 15, 2012. Age verification is required on the date of registration.
Does your swimmer meet the eligibility requirement?
Swimmers age 10 & under must be able to swim one length of the pool (25 meters/yards) using a good front crawl with face in water demonstrating rhythmic breathing (either to the side or forward), as well as one length of the pool using backstroke. Swimmers age 11 & up must be able to swim two lengths of the pool (50 meters/yards) using a good front crawl with face in water demonstrating rhythmic breathing (either to the side or forward), as well as two lengths of the pool using backstroke.
Is your child ready to compete in meets?
During the swim league season there are a series of meets for your child to compete in. This enables swimmers to build confidence in their skills and put their hard work to good use. Regular season meets are held on Saturdays and will be at varying times depending on your swimmers' age. The Championship Meet is held on Friday/Saturday in age groups. Not all swimmers choose to participate in the meets, but it is strongly encouraged.
Is your child ready for an hour of practice two nights a week?
Swim league practice will consist of group instruction, starts and turns training, and stroke technique work for each of the four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly). Your child will be expected to swim lengths or laps working toward improving their strokes and increasing their speed and endurance in those strokes. This league is a learning league, but all participants should at least have the minimum understanding of freestyle and backstroke.
If your child feels comfortable within all of these areas, then it's time to sign them up! Registration for the 2012-13 Winter Swim League is available now. You can register at any recreation center or online via EZreg if you have a barcode and family pin number. |
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Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures
Great Neck Recreation Center will be closed August 27 through September 2 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through September 9.
Bayside Recreation Center will be closed September 10-16 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through September 23.
Kempsville Recreation Center will be closed September 24-30 for annual maintenance.
Princess Anne Recreation Center will be closed October 8-14 for annual maintenance. The pool will remain closed through October 21.
All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed Monday, September 3 for Labor 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.
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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. |
Mark your calendar for the opening of Virginia Beach's newest recreation center, skate park and park! The ribbon cutting ceremony for 
Female only surf clinics are offered this fall at 
