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Splash Camp: New YMCA programs available in the summer

Swim class options have been expanded at the Silverton Pool this summer.
Swim class options have been expanded at the Silverton Pool this summer.

By Melissa Wagoner

New Silverton YMCA aquatics director Chad Brookman has big plans for the summer programs and not all of them involve swimming.

Brookman hails from San Diego, where he worked for the Y as the aquatics coordinator for a large pool, a beach lifeguard and summer camp counselor. He moved to the Silverton area in the midst of the snowstorm last January.

“The goal was always to be on the West Coast. It’s gorgeous to see the changes in the seasons. It’s nothing I’ve ever seen in my life before,” Brookman said.

Utilizing his previous experience with outdoor water sports, Brookman developed Wild Water Week, a week-long camp being held in both July and August.

“It will explore all the different options this area has to offer as far as water,” Brookman said.

Activities will include kayaking and canoeing at the Silverton Reservoir, creek walking, a float down the Santiam, and swimming in Silver Falls Creek, the Stayton and Silverton pools, and the pool at the Y camp at Silver Falls State Park.

“We will be addressing these outdoor water environments and exploring and understanding the hazards and getting safer with it,” Brookman said.

Other new camps on the schedule include Splash Camp, a time for kids to play at the pool, Junior Lifeguard Camp, for older kids interested in lifeguard training and spending a week shadowing the guards, and Triathlon Camp which will include days of biking, trail running and open water swimming culminating in a mock triathlon.

For children are still learning to swim, this summer’s swim lesson schedule will look slightly different, too. “We’ve changed it up to accommodate everyone,” Brookman said.

Now families are offered both two and four lessons per week options and can register for the entire summer. For those who enjoy the swim program, there will be more time available to do so.

“We are offering longer open swims and more. Starting in July we will stay open until 9 p.m.,” Brookman said.

Even with the additional open swim times the pool can get crowded in the summer, increasing the need for added precautions. Starting this summer, proficient swimmers will be given a bracelet confirming their ability to pass the swim test. Life jackets will now be allowed for those who cannot swim.

Silverton Pool
Managed by the
Silver Falls Family YMCA
601 Miller St.
503 873-6456

For a full list of programs visit:
www.theyonline.org

Brookman has been working on new ways to coach his team and keep them on their toes. Traditionally, guards are asked to take part in staged emergencies but Brookman enlists patrons to act out emergencies when the guards are least expecting them.

“They need to be able to adapt to the situation and react as it develops. You need to get through it like you would in a real situation,” he said.

The Y is looking for lifeguards and swim instructors to add to the team.

“They need to be responsible and need to have certifications,” Brookman said.

The pool offers year-around positions. Brookman is hoping to increase patronage this winter.

“One of my biggest goals is to try to get the triathletes and serious swimmers back,” Brookman said. “We want to have stroke clinics and master swims. We’ll start up small and grow. I’d like to hire someone to do just that.”

Brookman acknowledges that one of the pool’s biggest challenges has been inconsistent hours.

“If we can stay open consistently I can win them back,” he said.

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