In the swim of things

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

Our abundant, clean, waterways are a luxury many on this continent and in this world, can only dream about. And living in an area with these truly wonderfully recreation opportunities makes ones ability to swim not only a tool for fully enjoying the water, but also a valuable life-protecting skill.
Living in a remote community we too often complain about a lack of opportunity without appreciating and taking fuller advantage of what we have. In the west end of the Rainy River District, the swimming pool facilities at the Lake of the Woods School in Baudette, MN, are one of those special opportunities.
Opened in 1999 to replace an older school pool, LoW offers facilities and programs second to none. With a six lane, 25 metre main pool with a mini slide, weights, and ball nets; a child wading pool with water spouts and geysers; and a heated whirlpool, LoW Pool boasts enviable standards.
Under the American Red Cross Multi-Level Swimming Programs 196 local kids from toddler to teen have participated this summer, up a bit from previous years, and another set of courses is planned for early this winter, says Lisa Beckstrand, Pool Coordinator for LoW School. About 40% of those kids are Ontario residents. Private one on one swim lessons are also available.
“Our lifeguard staff consists of 10-12 adults and 7-8 students,” adds Beckstrand noting the pool had about 8,000 uses this past year. Although swimming lessons for kids are important, it is only the tip of the iceberg.
Northern Minnesota, like Northwestern Ontario has an aging population and the demand for adult exercise programs that target arthritis and joints problems as well as weight reduction and attendant lack of physical activity are naturals for swimming pools.
A regular parade of the fitness-minded patronizes the facility outside school hours from the wee hours of the morning to well into the evening.
Currently we are offering an arthritis exercise class once a week which we hope to expand to twice weekly this fall and an adult exercise class three times a week. You don’t need to know how to swim or don a fashionable swim suit; a pair of shorts and a top will do just fine emphasized Beckstrand. She added many participants were finding after entering the program noticeable improvements not only in joint flexibility, but also reductions in blood pressure.
“C’mon out and try it. All you’ve got to lose are perhaps a few pounds and the first time is free,” invited Beckstrand. Information and swim schedules can be accessed by calling Beckstrand at the LoW Pool office at 218-634-2735, ext 1101 or the LOW website at www.blw.k12.mn.us/new%20page/swimscedule.html.
Swimming pools are expensive things to maintain and operate, but you will find another pleasant surprise in the very modest fees LoW charges patrons whether it is for a one time swim or a full year’s pass. Compared to similar facilities in the region or big city pools, fees are as low, and often lower at LoW.
“We welcome and appreciate the patronage of our Canadian neighbors,” emphasized Beckstrand.
So don’t wait until you or your child is going down for the last time, come on out now and get into the swim of things.