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Swimming fun begins with safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  What says summer more than the sound of children frolicking and splashing around in the cool, refreshing waters of the local swimming pool?

The 20th Force Support Squadron provides two separate locations here where Team Shaw members can come and have fun in the sun, Woodland and Lakeside Pools.

Each pool offers a separate benefit; a slide at the Woodland Pool and a diving board and water aerobics classes at the Lakeside Pool.

The pools also have times for free lap swimming Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday Wednesday and Friday from noon to 1 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

On the weekends both pools offer times for pool parties from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"We try to come up with ideas that will get people to come back to base after work to the pools so they can have a good time," said Tim Godwin, 20th FSS pool manager. "Many times people don't feel like coming back to base after work."

The base pools generally average 1,300 to 1,700 visitors per week. With these numbers coming in, Godwin takes steps to ensure the safety of the guests.

He always ensures the quality of his lifeguards are up-to-par on their training by holding classes for them every three weeks, he said.

Though the pools have highly trained life guards, it's important for parents to remember they are responsible for their kids.

"We're not a day care," said Tiffany Rodgers, 20th FSS lifeguard. "Those under the age of 12 need to be with an adult. You can't just drop off the kids and leave them here."

During the summer months, four sessions of swim lessons are offered for ages 3 and up.

"Everyone needs to be able to swim," said Godwin. "You're never too old to learn. You just need to be able to know the basics of how to survive."

Throughout each session, the life guards emphasize safety, said Godwin. They'll do this by teaching and demonstrating life saving devices.

"If we get through to even one child, it's worth it," he said. "I also tell the instructors if they teach someone to swim, they've saved a life."

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Swimming fun begins with safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  What says summer more than the sound of children frolicking and splashing around in the cool, refreshing waters of the local swimming pool?

The 20th Force Support Squadron provides two separate locations here where Team Shaw members can come and have fun in the sun, Woodland and Lakeside Pools.

Each pool offers a separate benefit; a slide at the Woodland Pool and a diving board and water aerobics classes at the Lakeside Pool.

The pools also have times for free lap swimming Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday Wednesday and Friday from noon to 1 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

On the weekends both pools offer times for pool parties from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"We try to come up with ideas that will get people to come back to base after work to the pools so they can have a good time," said Tim Godwin, 20th FSS pool manager. "Many times people don't feel like coming back to base after work."

The base pools generally average 1,300 to 1,700 visitors per week. With these numbers coming in, Godwin takes steps to ensure the safety of the guests.

He always ensures the quality of his lifeguards are up-to-par on their training by holding classes for them every three weeks, he said.

Though the pools have highly trained life guards, it's important for parents to remember they are responsible for their kids.

"We're not a day care," said Tiffany Rodgers, 20th FSS lifeguard. "Those under the age of 12 need to be with an adult. You can't just drop off the kids and leave them here."

During the summer months, four sessions of swim lessons are offered for ages 3 and up.

"Everyone needs to be able to swim," said Godwin. "You're never too old to learn. You just need to be able to know the basics of how to survive."

Throughout each session, the life guards emphasize safety, said Godwin. They'll do this by teaching and demonstrating life saving devices.

"If we get through to even one child, it's worth it," he said. "I also tell the instructors if they teach someone to swim, they've saved a life."