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About Shenendehowa's Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center was approved by voters in January 2004. It was opened in September 2009. The pool is 60 feet wide by 119’1” long. It is 3’6” in the shallow end and 14’ in the deep end. It holds 433,500 gallons of water and has a bathing capacity of 304 people. It has eight lanes with movable 4’ stainless steel bulkhead to allows three configurations; a 25-yard pool for standard swim competitions at the deep end of the pool with water depths adequate for turns at both ends of the laps; a 25-meter pool for water polo competitions; and a 25-yard lap pool at the shallow end and a separate deep-end space for diving.

There are four competitive diving boards. Two one-meter boards and two 3-meter boards. Bleachers will seat 500 spectators. Separate bleachers on the pool deck will seat 250 athletes. It is equipped with a concession stand; boy and girls locker room with showers; and public restrooms.

About our swim and dive teams

In Sectional titles, the girls’ have 11, boys have five. Girls have ranked number one in N.Y.S. four times, boys twice. Both teams have been NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete teams every year since the program was started.

Community Use of the Pool

The Community Education office provides opportunities for lap swims, swim lessons, aquatic aerobics, life-guard training and the Shen youth swim club.

 

What to wear for PE class...

Bathing suits

Students will wear appropriate swim wear when in the aquatic center. Girls are required to wear one piece suits. Boys must wear swim trunks and may not wear cut-offs or shorts made of “jeans” or other materials. Both may wear a white/light colored t-shirt over the suit. Just like sneakers for regular gym class, parents must supply their child with a bathing suit.

Towels

Students must bring in a clean towel from home and a plastic bag to transport wet clothing/towels to and from school each day they have swim class.

Goggles

Students may bring and wear their own goggles as long as they do not cover the nose. We ask that students to allow students to learn the correct breathing techniques used for swimming.

Nose plugs

We would prefer that the students do not wear them during their PE class. We are trying to teach the students how to swim without plugging their nose, as this is a requirement by the American Red Cross.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who receives swimming instruction?

At the elementary level, grade 3 students at Okte, Chango, Karigon, Orenda, Tesago and Skano are scheduled for six lessons in the pool during the fall for three consecutive weeks. The curriculum will consist of the American Red Cross Learn to Swim lessons and the Whales Tales Water Safety Program. Arongen and Shatekon will continue to go to the YMCA next year (at no cost to those families).
All middle school students are scheduled for four weeks of swim lessons (10 lessons) beginning in late fall and continuing through the spring. Classes will be scheduled single gender.
At the high school, elective units will be explored including: water polo, water basketball, competitive swimming/diving, lifeguard training, water safety instruction, water aerobics, and synchronized swim.

Since swim will now be a part of regular class requirements, how will elementary students get to the pool?

Students will be bused to the aquatic center at no cost to parents.

Will swim instruction be mandatory or optional?

As part of the Physical Education curriculum it is mandatory and all children are expected to participate. There will be ample supervision and the curriculum takes into consideration the experience levels of students, advanced swimmers versus non-swimmers.

What is the procedure to exempt students from swimming instruction?

According to state regulations and board of education policy, there are no exemptions from physical education other than a doctor’s note for medical reasons or religious reasons.

What about families with religious restrictions with regard to wearing bathing suits in public?

These concerns will be handled consistent with Board of Education Policy 8330: Curriculum Areas In Conflict With Religious Beliefs. Families with religious restrictions should communicate with the child’s physical education teacher and/or principal.

Why are two piece bathing suits not allowed?

Students will be very active in the pool. Two piece suits are not designed for heavy activity. Classes will include work on all six of the swimming strokes, participation in water games and water exercise. If a student wears a two-piece to class, she will be asked to wear a t-shirt over the suit. Please note: no tank tops, tankinis or spaghetti strap tops will be allowed, it must be a regular t-shirt that covers the entire suit.
Kids have enough issues with body image, it may be difficult to wear a bathing suit and change in front of peers. How do you plan on addressing this?
There are bathroom stalls in the locker room for those who wish to change in private. Classes will be scheduled single gender at a time in middle school. Girls are required to wear one piece suits. Boys must wear swim trunks. Both may wear a white/light colored t-shirt over the suit.

Are there showers available to rinse off the chlorine?

Yes, students are expected to shower upon entering the pool and after each use. It is recommended but not required that students have shower shoes, personal soap or shampoo.

How are the girls going to dry their hair? 

Swim caps are permitted (long hair must be tied back). Personal hair-dryers are not allowed. However, drying units are available and easily accessible.

How much time will students have to get ready after swim class?
Using a 40-minute period, students will be allowed 5 minutes to change into their bathing suits, shower and report to the pool deck; there will be 27 minutes of instruction; and students will be given 8 minutes to change at the end of class.

Will a certified life guard be on duty when the children are in the pool and will the teachers teaching be certified swim instructors?

Lifeguards will be on duty for all physical education classes. Physical education instructors are certified to deliver swimming instruction. The district will continue to provide additional opportunities for professional development including Water Safety Instruction (American Red Cross WSI) and lifeguarding (American Red Cross) courses are being offered specifically for our PE staff.

Who will be supervising the locker rooms if the teacher is of the opposite sex?

Locker rooms will have same-gender supervision. The plan is to have at least one of each, male/female, as a life guard, teacher, or pool coordinator.

My child is afraid of the water and does not want to swim, what should I do?

It is perfectly natural to be afraid and all of the Physical Education teachers are here to help our students and make the experience as fun as possible. It is very important that they learn how to swim for their own safety. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury/death for children and adolescents. There will always be an instructor in the water with the students. We will make use of several different types of flotation devices to help any student that is not comfortable in the water on their own.

When will the swim team use the pool?

Interscholastic athletics will use the pool every day after school starting August through March for practice. The team will be able to conduct home meets and showcase the pool and the swimming/diving program by hosting events such as sectionals and select invitationals.

Is the community able to use the pool?

The Community Education office provides opportunities for lap swims, swim lessons, aquatic aerobics, life guard training and the Shen youth swim club. If there is any time left, we will rent to non-resident swim clubs.