High school pool opens to public next week
Hours for swimming
to expand as season
progresses
NORTH BRUNSWICK — The North Brunswick Township High School swimming pool will be available for public swimming next week.
"We are trying to stress that residents have this beautiful indoor facility to use," said Director of Parks and Recreation Lou Ann Benson. "There are no age limits. One of the major advantages of having a local pool is that you can stay in one spot without running to different locations."
The pool will be available for public use Wednesday evenings, April 24 to June 12 from 7:30-9, and on Saturdays, April 27 to June 15 from 1-3 p.m., according to Benson.
Benson said the cost is $1 per person for each open swim.
"A yearly pass may be purchased for a fee of $35 for the entire family at the office of the Department of Parks and Recreation," Benson said. "Spring Lap swim for adults will take place on Monday and Thursday evenings, April 22 to June 13 from 9-10. Presentation of an identification card is required to show proof of residency. It must be shown to lifeguards."
Benson also said that the Parks and Recreation office is expanding the open swims.
"The department is expanding open swims to Monday to Friday, July 1 to Aug. 15 from 3-5:30 p.m.," Benson said. "Saturday hours will expand from noon to 5 p.m., and Wednesday evenings will have family swims from July 3 to Aug. 14 from 8-9:30. Beginning July 1, the Summer Lap swim sessions will be conducted on Monday and Thursday evenings from 9-10."
There will also be programs available for serious swimmers, according to Benson.
"Stroke and turn clinics will be offered on Tuesdays from April 1 to June 1. We will offer a head start to our more serious swimmers," Benson said. Stroke enhancement and focus on personal skills will help serious swimmers prepare for their summer swim team season. The department’s Rapids Swim Team registration is continuing during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays at the Department of Parks and Recreation."
Benson said a swim team is a great learning experience for those involved.
"The team offers a recreational and competitive opportunity for participants," Benson said. "It is designed for ages 7-18, with both boys and girls welcomed. A parents meeting will be conducted on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school in Room 575. Don’t miss out on this summer splash of an adventure, which is sure to be a fun but positive learning experience for all."
There are also opportunities for the adults of the community, according to Benson.
"Adults may join the water aquacise program from 8-9 p.m., beginning Monday and continuing until June 10," Benson said. "Session two will be conducted Mondays, July 1 until Aug. 12 at the same time. The benefits of a safe, less stressful environment of exercising in the water is beneficial to all. There is no swimming experience necessary to be involved with this program. Classes are conducted in the shallow end of the pool. Also, nonresidents may join, but North Brunswick residents will receive first priority."
Benson said the department continues to offer many educational swim classes.
"The lesson program offers educational classes for everyone, from water babies to adults," Benson said. "There are also educational courses for CPR and first aid that continue to be offered."
Benson said there is also instruction offered for those interested in becoming lifeguards.
"The Department of Parks and Recreation also offers an Educational Lifeguard Training Course," said Benson. "The department offers it each year from January to March to help give students an opportunity to get a head start for summer employment. The program is certified through the American Red Cross. Our lifeguard staff are mostly high school students during the year that represent our town on the NBTHS Raider swim team. The summer staff is a mixture of returning students and students from the high school."
Benson also said that the pool is available for use for children’s birthday parties.
The senior swim is also a very popular event in the community, according to Benson.
"Seniors take advantage of this year-round aquacise program, which meets three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays," Benson said. "Water aquacise is conducted in a friendly, warm environment that is not only good for you physically, but clears your mind and keeps you alert. It is a great way to meet friends."
Parks and Recreation is intent on utilizing the pool, according to Benson.
"From the annual water carnival to senior luaus to special events, we are always creating a wave in the pool," Benson said. "It is a great environment for everyone involved, so swimmers take your mark, get set and join us."
Anyone interested in joining any of the swim programs should contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (732) 247-0922, ext. 478. Information is also available through press releases in the town, the spring and summer recreation brochures, and on cable Channel 71.