More than just a pool.
All In. For Fun, Fitness, Community. Whether you’re a committed lap swimmer, a casual toe-dipper, or a certified land-lubber, there’ll be something for everyone here: from swim lessons, Masters programs and aqua fitness; to pool log-rolling, an aquatic climbing wall, SCUBA and kayak instruction; to Friday night Dive-In Movies and a large pool deck for BBQs or just hanging out with other islanders poolside.
Our Why.
We are a community surrounded by water, and yet:
• 90% of children on Lopez haven’t learned to swim. The majority of island kids tested could not pass the Red Cross swim test.
• EMTs have no way to train for water safety
• Countywide, there is not one community pool facility
• Aqua therapy is non-existent
A pool on Lopez will make for a safer and healthier community.
Get Skills. Two pools will offer many opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the water. Those who haven’t learned to swim will be able to practice their strokes year-round, under guidance from instructors, with plenty of lesson and open-swim times.
Under partnership with the Lopez School District’s physical education initiative, school kids will be able to take the School-to-Pool trail to get their swim on. The Lopez School District will integrate swimming into the PE curricula for all grades to reach our joint goal that every child graduates knowing how to swim. Through a generous donor, at no cost to the school, all K-12 students will be able to have swim lessons, time for swim fun, and water activities as part of PE programming.
Get Fit. Besides being one of the best low-impact exercises for all ages, improving muscle tone, overall fitness, and joint mobility, swimming is just plain fun. Open year-round, the Swim Center will offer a warm, safe space for people of all shapes and sizes to improve their health. And with two pools, more classes, workshops, and people will able to be accommodated.
Get Well. Warm water not only relaxes the muscles, but also encourages more freedom of movement. The Swim Center’s 912-square-foot warm-water wellness pool will be a place for kids and kids-at-heart to play, exercise, or simply be with friends. Those recovering from surgery or injuries will enjoy the benefits of warm water for rehab, aqua therapy, and more.
As a physical therapist, I can’t think of a better way to support the health of this community. On island access to water therapy fills a gap in our current service and will be a huge benefit to rehab clients.
In 2008 I had a hip replaced in Oregon and being able to have access to a therapy pool was instrumental in my rapid recovery. Now that a pool on Lopez is becoming a reality, I feel I have a responsibility to bring it to fruition.
I so look forward to swimming laps in a Lopez pool to stay in shape! The pool will be an incredible resource for us all — from learning to swim, having pool parties, family swims, gentle exercise for ailing bodies, perhaps a swim team and water ballet. Can’t wait!
You know what would make this winter better? A pool! Having a pool to go to would be life changing for us mamas with babies and children.
As a community we all need to be invested to learn how to swim. Every one from the youngest child to the oldest person needs to have swimming skills. And with the pools there is so much potential for healing right here on our island.
Nothing is more fun than swimming with our friends.
I have donated repeatedly because it’s our legacy. The pool will impact generations to come. There is no better time to do it than now!
I grew up in the water in Southern California. I went on to join the U.S. Coast Guard and became a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. I heard that when Lopez kids were tested they were only 9% water competent! I would love to see that percentage go up to 90% and a pool would be the way. Plus I would be able to jump back into it!
My kids had swim lessons when we lived on the mainland but many of their peers here are afraid of the water. All kids deserve the chance to become confident swimmers, to live safer lives and to discover the lifelong joy of swimming.
As a lifetime boater, past lifequard and frequent chaperone for school trips, I have seen the need for local children to learn to swim. We need this pool!
A wave of partnership is building. We’ve formed partnerships with local organizations to support county-wide programming needs. Several have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and provided letters of intent showing their alliance with FLIP and our shared vision for the future.
The pool and the school, together at last. Perhaps our proudest accomplishment will come when we link the Swim Center with the Lopez Island School (literally, with a School-to-Pool trail) to provide physical education classes, swim team organization, and a community gathering place, especially for at-risk youth. Because we believe every child deserves to have the confidence and self-esteem swimming helps build.
