The City of Gainesville's Recreation Division offers a wide variety of aquatic programs during the summer months.
Our Junior Lifeguarding Camp is a popular program for youth ages 12 - 15. It will introduce the basic skills needed to become a lifeguard that are needed as a pre-requisite for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course. It is designed to build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards. The five categories that are the focus of the program are: prevention, fitness; response; leadership and professionalism. You may register online or print the application and submit it at our Administrative Office located at 1024 NE 14th Street, Bldg. A.
Camp Aqua Sport is a program for youth ages 8-11 and focuses on a different theme for each week of the summer. Camp Aqua Sport is not only educational for participants, they have alot of FUN too! Campers receive swim and dive instructions each week and on Tuesday or Friday they go on a field trip. Some sample themes for each week are: "Under the Sea" and "Life of a Pirate". You may register online or print the application and submit it at our Administrative Office located at 1024 NE 14th Street, Bldg. A.
Sharks Swim Team is a nine week summer novice program for children ages 6 to 18 years of age. Practice begins on June 8th - August 8th and is located at Westside Pool. Tiger Sharks: This level is for beginning swimmers, with little to no previous competitive swimming experience. Swimmers must be able to complete 25 yards of both freestyle and backstroke. Great White Sharks: This level is for swimmers that are comfortable in the water and have a good comprehension of all four strokes. Children must show strength in the water and be able to compete 25 yards of all four strokes. You may register online or print the application and submit it at our Administrative Office located at 1024 NE 14th Street, Bldg. A.
Bring out the whole family and enjoy our Dive In Movies series. Bring your swim gear, your favorite floatie and head to our pool and enjoy a movie as you float and relax under the stars. Concessions available. Our Dive In Movies series has ended for the summer.
The Biathlon Series consists of a 5K run and an 800m swim. There are six races in the series and interested participants can choose one or all of the races to compete in. The races will alternate between Westside Pool and Northeast Pool. Trophies are awarded for each age group at the end of the series. The Series ended on Saturday, September 12th, 2009. Look for 2010 dates in March!!
Lifeguard in Training Program is a great opportunity for young adults ages 13 through 15 to gain experience and training under the guidance of certified Lifeguards. Those who enroll and successfully complete this program will be encouraged to take the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course through the City of Gainesville when they become of age. The hours are flexible and there is limited enrollment. This program is a voluntary job and should be taken seriously. Complete the application and submit to our Administrative Office at 1024 NE 14th Street, Bldg A, Gainesville, 32601. If you need additional information please feel free to contact us at 352-334-5067.
Basic Water Rescue is a course that provides community members with information and skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies on a basic level. Target Audiences for this course are: Pubic Safety Personnel, Aquatic Fitness Instructors, Aquatic Therapist, home owners with pools and others who work around water. This is a four (4) hour certification course and there are no pre-requisites. It is recommended that individuals interested in the course be comfortable in "chest deep" water due to in water skill session.
The Lifeguarding Course is designed to teach each participant the skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies as well as prepare participants to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drownings and injuries. This course also includes CPR/AED for the professional rescuer. This is a (32) thirty-two hour course for the initial certification and requires a recertification every (3) three years. Please note: CPR/AED Re-certification is required every year.
Swimming Lessons is the most popular program the we offer and has the largest age range. Our swimming lessons are taught by American Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors. Lessons are being offered at Westside Pool and Northeast Pool. Session, times and costs are provided below. To register for lessons you must come in to our Administrative Office which is located at 1024 NE 14th Street. If you have any questions, please call us at 352-334-5067. You can print the registration form and bring it in with you to expedite the registration process.
Diving is a skill of conquered fear and perfection in freefall. Our dive lessons are seperated into three levels directed toward children ages 5-18. The levels are: Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. If you are unsure of the appropriate level for your child, ask for a head lifeguard or swim instructor Our diving lessons are taught by American Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors. Lessons are ONLY being offered at Westside Pool. Sessions, times and costs are provided below. To register for lessons you must come in to our Administrative Office which is located at 1024 NE 14th Street. If you have any questions, please call us at 352-334-5067.