Pool is open and programs resuming

Aquatics coordinator Matt Delaere assists aquatics supervisor Melanie Corbett with lowering one of the aquabikes into the water for testing before the pool opening. The ramp they are using will also provide access for those with mobility issues. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

It’s appropriate that Julie Dawley, Tillsonburg Manager of Recreation Programs and Services, was the first person to swim in the newly renovated pool.

The pool opened on March 10 after being closed since April 18, 2023, for renovations. It opened to an Aquafit class on Monday morning.

“I’m really excited about that. It’s the first class in almost two years,” Dawley said on the Friday prior to the opening. “I cannot wait; I’m so excited to see all the ladies. It will be full.”

Dawley’s excitement is spreading to other full-time aquatics staff members, who will all be involved in leading the first class.

The pool opening will bring with it a full slate of programs. The list is extensive, and the schedule varies daily. It often starts at 6 a.m. with an adult swim and can go as late as 9:30 p.m.

Programs in the seven-day schedule are aquafit, aquajog, aquabiking, adult and community swims, swimming lessons, advanced team lifeguard, private swimming lessons, artistic swimming lifesaving sport and junior lifeguard club.

While most of the programs are self-explanatory, some are not. Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, combines dance, gymnastics, and swimming, all executed in the pool. Lifesaving sport is a provincially-sanctioned competition for lifeguards that doubles as preparation for upcoming lifeguards. The junior Lifeguard club is also a skills development program for lifeguards.

The competitive Tillsonburg Aquatic Torpedoes will return with the pool opening, and Paul Armstrong will be the lead coach.

“He’s got kids who are looking to swim,” Dawley said. “He’s excited. (Noted local swimmer) Annaleise Carr is going to bring her kids.”

Although there is a fee for all pool programs, Dawley noted the Fee Assisted Recreational Expenses (FARE) program and Jumpstart to provide funding for those needing assistance with fees.

Prior to the opening on Monday, Dawley was the first in the pool on Friday, followed by Melanie Corbett, the new aquatics supervisor, a position Dawley held for 40 years. A 48-year employee at the pool, Dawley was recently promoted to manager of recreation programs and services. This is a long way from where she started as a ticket taker at $2.15 per hour as a teenager.

“With my first pay cheque, I bought a Walkman,” she recalled with a smile.

That youthful enthusiasm is remanifesting itself in the re-opening for Dawley, but also for the 20 part-time employees who will be working at the pool. All but two have not worked at the indoor pool previously, but all worked at the outdoor pool.