In a recent government meeting, officials reported significant progress in increasing community participation in swimming lessons, with a focus on removing financial barriers for families. The 2024 swimming season saw a remarkable rise in attendance, averaging 162 visitors per day during open swims and lap swims, compared to 113 swimmers per day in 2023 without lessons. Notably, the number of participants in swim lessons surged from 252 to 492, indicating a strong community interest.
The initial registration day for swim lessons drew an overwhelming response, resulting in a two-hour wait for families eager to enroll. However, subsequent days saw a smoother registration process, ensuring that no child was left without a spot. To accommodate the increased demand, additional classes were created, particularly for younger children aged 4 to 6, with designated swim lesson nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The meeting also highlighted the success of water aerobics programs, which experienced a significant uptick in enrollment, with 75 sign-ups and an average of 30 participants attending daily sessions. The pool's operational hours were extended until 9 PM, which proved beneficial, as many patrons utilized the later hours.
Despite the high demand for swim passes, which exceeded the initial supply of 2,500 within two weeks, officials noted that tracking attendance became necessary as they ran out of passes. The influx of both local residents and out-of-town visitors contributed to the pool's success.
Overall, the 2024 swimming season was deemed a success, with officials expressing optimism about continuing to provide accessible swim lessons and programs that the community values. The meeting concluded with a note on potential payroll increases due to extended operational hours and staffing needs, although specific figures were not immediately available.