Aquatic Center Program Information

LEARN TO SWIM: The next session will begin January 30. Registration will be held January 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  You may come in to register or call 466-0236.  When calling please do not leave information on the voicemail as we do not have time to check and the class you want may be filled.

We offer a variety of classes which suit any ability level in the water.  Below are class descriptions:

• Aqua-Tot: Child is introduced to the water with a parent.  Techniques such as bubble blowing are shown to get the child accustomed to the water.
• Level 1: Child is taught basic water adjustment with the aid of a flotation device.  Floating and swimming techniques are performed while being supported by an instructor.  First class without a parent
• Level 2: Child is taught similar skills as in Level 1 with fewer instructor supports and without the aid of a flotation device
• Level 3: First class where child will swim the width of the pool.  Students are introduced to front-crawl, back-crawl, elementary backstroke and dolphin kick.
• Level 4: Builds on the skills taught in Level 3.  Sidestroke is introduced. Includes endurance training.
• Level 5: Builds on the skills taught in Level 4.  Butterfly is introduced.  Includes endurance training.
• All classes include a safety component

Sessions will have twelve lessons total.  All lessons will be Monday and Wednesdays.  Aqua Tot, Levels 1 & 2 will meet from 6:30-7:00 pm.  Levels 3,4, & 5 will meet from 7:00-7:30 pm. The Bridgman Aquatic Center strives to provide the highest quality lessons possible.  Our expectation is that class participants be able to listen, follow instructions, and participtae safely in class.  Participants who are unable to conduct themselves in a manner promoting safety for everyone in the class will be individually assessed by a qualified Aquatic Center instructor before being allowed to participate in any program or class.  Participants who do not qualify for Aquatic Center programs may be referred to another aquatic facility.

COMPETITIVE AQUATICS PROGRAMS

Community diving lessons

For youth ages 8 to 18.  Beginner and Advanced classes (must be able to perform a front 11/2) will be offered by Coach Elaina Paulson on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. Please call the pool office for info.

Sea Bee Swim Club

Is a competitive age group swim team for childern ages 6 to 18  who live in Southwestern Michigan.  The Fall/Winter pre-season will begin October 10th for Intermediates and Advanced on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:15 to 6:30. Regular season start for Advanced and Intermediates will be November 1st.  Advanced swimmers practice M-T-W-Th-F from 5:15 to 6:30.  Intermidiate practices are M-T-Th-F, 5:15 to 6:30 pm.  Beginners will start November 2nd and practice M-W-F, 5:15 to 6:30 pm. Our team cost will remain the same this year! $150.00 per swimmer with $20.00 off for each additional swimmer per family.  Conference meet held in February. Register the first class your swimmer attends.

High School Swimming and Diving

Bridgman High School offers a cooperative swim team for boys and girls from the following schools in Southwestern Michigan: Bridgman, Buchanan, Lakeshore, Niles and River Valley.  For more information please contact: Kevin Anderson at kanderson@bridgmanschools.com.

Girls Swimming: Head Coach Janet Beemer, jbeem2323@yahoo.com.

Boys Swimming: Head Coach Kevin Anderson at kanderson@bridgmanschools.com

Masters Swimming - group practice time/day change!

Whether you are on "old" competitive swimmer, interested in fitness, or shaving time off the swim leg of your triathlon the Southwest Michigan Sting has something for you! Meeting with a coach to set goals and having a coach refine your stroke periodically will get you in serious swimming shape. The cost is $100.00 for the season (November 4 to April 27).  We will meet Friday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm to swim together and your season price also allows you to swim at all Adult Lap swims during this time period. Or pay the $3.00 daily rate for this program.  There will be opportunities for swim meets.

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

Pool Rental
Great for special occasions! We can help you with a birthday party after school, or on the weekend. Call about the available hours. Fee: $75.00 per hour.  Parties over 30 requiring extra life guards will have a slight extra charge. All Family Recreation rules apply.

Family Recreation
Fun for the whole family! Get those kids out and dive into some fun. Remember adults, our sauna is working and will warm you from head to toe. Family Recs. are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Saturday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Saturday family recs. are shared with Lap Swimmers.   Please note: Children under 8 must have an adult in the water with them unless they are able to swim the length of the pool accepable to the staff on duty.  We do not allow equipment use during Family Recreation.  The exception would be children using a floatation device that attaches to their body (for example a life vest, water wings).  Noodles, rings, blow up rafts are not allowed.

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Shallow Water Aerobics (SWA)
Designed to focus on cardio health, stretching, and toning this is a low-impact aerobic workout to music with a deep water abdominal strenthening component at the end of class. The class is held in shallow water. Mon. through Fri. 8:30 to 9:30 am.

Deep Water Aerobics (DWA)

Designed to tone and raise that heart rate. This class will get you up and moving and you will feel so good! This class is in deep water with no impact. We use hand bells to keep us afloat, no swimming is required. Great for cross training or working injured muscles (consult a physician first). Mon. Wed.  and Fri.  7:30-8:30 am.

Lap Swim

Get in shape by swimming laps, or loosen up those muscles and joints by water walking.  We offer various times and days to fit you schedule. 

Arthritis Class
This class is designed to enhance range of motion. We are a full access facility. You will enjoy this class for some non-impact walking and simple exercise with support of the water. Classes are on Mon. Wed. and Fri. from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Community Weight Room/Pool Workout area

The Community weight Room and Pool balcony workout areas are available to community members who have signed a waiver.  The cost to use the workout area is the normal pool usage fee.  Various free weights, Lat. pull down machine, spinning bike and elliptical are available for use.  The Community Weight Room is fuly stocked with brand new cardio and wieght machines of the highest quality. For a $1.00 fee you may sign a waiver and go!  Open during non-school hours: Monday through Friday 5:45 am to 7:30 am, Monday through Thursday 7:00 pn to 9:00 pm and Sundays 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Now just for the holidays workout EXTRA time from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the evenings Dec. 26 to Jan. 5th.  The workout area and weight rooms are closed when Bridgman Schools close due to bad weather.

Contact Info
Please call us with any questions for the Aquatic Center at 269-466-0236.

Aquatics Manager - Susan Luhrsen, sluhrsen@bridgmanschools.com

Aquatics Program Director - Kevin Anderson, kanderson@bridgmanschools.com

"OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE SAFE RECREATIONAL, INSTRUCTIONAL, COMPETITIVE, AND THERAPEUTIC WATER ACTIVITIES FOR AREA COMMUNITIES THEREBY PROMOTING HEALTH, FITNESS, AND ENJOYMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES"