Safety is key when swimming in Delta areaSafety is key when swimming in Delta areaAugust 8, 2003
It is amazing how many children and adults die each year by drowning on the San Joaquin and American rivers and along our Delta waterways. What is more amazing is that every time it happens people are so surprised. It seems what people fail to realize is that swimming in the Delta and on a river is nothing like swimming in a lake.
It is especially difficult where we live because at the base of our Delta, just as its name indicates, is where two incredibly forceful rivers meet. While it may not look like it above the water level, underneath the currents are swift. Many times even close to the shoreline can be hazardous and the currents can sweep a child or small adult away before they realize what is happening.
That is why it is so important to make sure that rules are followed whenever we get close to the shoreline. It is also important to remember to always wear a life jacket, even in the hot weather, no matter whether you are an adult or child.
It is also important to learn how to swim. Many adults think that when you learn to swim it is like riding a bicycle -- you never forget. That can be true, but no matter how in shape you are, if you haven't swam for several years, before you just plunge into the Delta you may want to take a refresher course or at the very least take some time to get some practice outside of the Delta.
What better way to get in some practice than a visit to the Freedom Community Swimming Pool. Just because school has resumed doesn't mean that the pool has closed for the summer. It isn't possible for the pool to remain open as many hours as it had during July, but it still offers public time.
"It's really nice swimming here during this time because it's so quite here," said Cassie Capozzo, 18, of Oakley. Capozzo usually tries to get laps in when the pool opens its doors at 5:15 p.m. weekdays.
The pool is open for recreation and lap swimming evenings from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There is a $3 fee. This would be a great time to get some exercise and brush up on your swimming so that you are stronger to handle the Delta waterways.
The pool is also open every Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for kids and families. The cost is only $2 per person and is a great way to stay cool. Saturday and Sunday hours are from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
For children who haven't had any formal swimming lessons or just need a brush-up course, pre-schooler and parent and toddler classes are also available. New lesson classes will start Aug. 11 with lessons at 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. Each lesson session is $41 per child for Oakley residents, and registration can be done at the pool or the city offices.
The Griffin brothers -- Joel, 8; Aaron, 11; and Kyle, 13 -- have been enjoying the swim lesson program during this last session. Each is able to participate at his own level even though they are taking the lessons at the same time. "The water is a little cold when you first go in, but you get used to it and it isn't cold again until you get out," Joel said.
Water Aerobics are also available at the Freedom swimming pool. Keep fit and stay cool during August on Sunday afternoons at 5:15 p.m. Oakley’s first water aerobics class will run four consecutive Sunday afternoons. The classes started Aug. 3, but that doesn't preclude coming in and participating at the classes individually for $6 per class. A minimum of five students is required.
Kids wanting a head start on the water polo season won’t want to miss the water polo class. The Freedom pool staff will be conducting a water polo clinic for kids 12 and older on Saturdays, Aug. 9, 16, and 23 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Cost for the clinic is $25 per person, and students receive instruction from Freedom varsity team members. Students must be able to swim freestyle for 25 yards and tread water for three minutes. Space is limited, so stop by Freedom pool or the city offices to register.
For more information about August hours at the Freedom pool, call the city at 925-625-7000.
Roni Gehlke's column on life in Oakley appears each week in the Brentwood News.
Distributed by the Contra Costa Times