Curtis Aquatic Center Swim and Water Safety Program Thrives After 38 Years of Service

Like many others, I am sure Curtis Aquatic Center director and teacher, Mark Olson, was chomping at the bit to have the after extensive renovations.

But Olson has an extra special interest in this.

The newly renovated and recently re-opened Curtis Aquatic Center hosts an innovative swim and safety program for all University Place second-, fifth- and eighth-graders, free of charge.

Let's just say he couldn't wait to get those students in the water.

"Our district has been so supportive of our student swim program for the last 38 years, since this pool first opened. They really see the value of swimming and water safety programs," Olson noted.

Olson continues, "We offer swim and water safety instruction to all third-, fifth- and eighth-graders in our district. The second-grade program started back in the 1974. Fifteen years ago, we added the fifth-grade program. It has been a tremendous program. We are so grateful to Superintendent Patti Banks and the district. Only a small handful of districts have a program like this."

Here's how the program works. All second- and fifth-graders have approximately five days of swimming during their school year. These days are scheduled consecutively. Each student must bring a swimming suit and towel with them for each session.

Students arrive by bus at the Curtis Aquatic Center with their teacher and class at their appointed time.  On the first day of the program, each student is tested to determine their skill level in the water. Students are grouped accordingly based on their skill level.

For subsequent days, there is a warm up activity done together as a class. The students are then are given shows and shown demonstrations on specific skills. Water safety rules are covered in each class with students learning a special water safety rule of the day and rule of the week.

After warm-up, demos/shows, and safety rules, the students break out into their skill level groups and practice with an instructor.

Additionally, the second-grade teachers incorporate the safety rules in classroom. Some classrooms even make special posters illustrating the rule of the day.

At the end of the five day session, second-graders have "Show Off Day," a tradition since the program first began 38 years ago. Family and friends come cheer on their student as they demonstrate what they have learned. Wet hugs, pictures, smiles, and laughter abound. The 5th graders celebrate their success with a fun and lively water all class basketball game.

For the eighth-graders, swimming is a nine week P.E. program. Just like the younger students, each swimmer is tested for skill level and grouped accordingly.

Once the eighth-graders complete their session, swimming is an elective going forward and the last opporunity to be a part of an all student program.

For those children with special needs, there are programs designed just for them. These programs take place two weeks out of the year with extra support from para educators and local volunteer physical therapy students.

According to Olson, over the years, about 75 percent of the incoming students have some kind of water/swim experience. Approximately 25 percent have had no water/swim opportunities.

It's also nice to touch base with students that came to the program as second-graders, now in the fifth grade. According to Olson, due to the influx of more new students to our area, there are more fifth-graders and eighth-graders that are brand new to the program and didn't participate in the earlier grades.

"For all of our students regardless of experience, we certainly offer water safety skills and swim skills," said Olson. "But the program also offers comraderie. And we've seen some students who may struggle in the classroom, really thrive in the water. They feel good about themselves and their skills. Building self-esteem is a plus in the pool."

Watching students thrive in the pool, holds a special place in Olson's heart and has for the last 28 years. He's not the only one. Holly Williams, the assistant pool manager, has also been affiliated with the pool as a Curtis swim team member and grad, and now as employee and program teacher for some time. Both instructors just beam when talking about their swimmers.

Of course, it's even more special when you have a great, new facility.

"This new facility is spectacular," said Olson. "I've been in lots of pools in 28 years of coaching and teaching and there is not a faciity like this. We are so grateful to the community for making this facility happen. With all of the upgrades and due to the increase in square footage, we can expand our programs even more to benefit and serve the community."

Besides the student swim program, here's a current list of other opportunities at the Curtis Aquatic Center:

• Swim lessons for kids 4 and up.
• Public Swim
• Lap Swim and Adult Water Aerobics.
• The University Place Aquatic Club (UPAC Sharks) age group swim team.
• High School and Youth Water Polo. 
• Pool Rental.

Click HERE to see the pools current brochure for all activities and their schedules, costs, and other contact information.