Swimming in Kitsap County
When my oldest, Trisitian, was a baby, we lived in California. I signed him up to do Water Baby classes in a 90 degree enclosure with the water being about the same temperature. It really felt like being in a big bathtub. We also had a pool at the apartment complex where we lived so we spent many summer days playing outside in the water. Swimming soon became something that our family loved to do together.
When we moved to Kitsap County, my kids continued to take swim lessons. I started them at the Bremerton YMCA who at that time had access to the pool, through the community Jarstad Pool Some of my kids took them at the Bremerton Tennis and Athletic Club in their salt water pool, some took them at Olympic High School's pool and still others took them at the new Haselwood YMCA. I started many of my kids in the Parent and Child classes. It was always such a special bonding time for me as a mom. I loved doing that so much, that it is something I now do for fun at the Bremerton YMCA-teach Baby swim lessons. I love seeing all the little kids and watching them learn what they can do in the water.
When my kids were little, I wanted to get them into a sport that would keep them active. We tried soccer, football, karate and of course, swimming. When my kids chose swimming, I was pretty happy as this is one of the healthiest sports out there. As a mom, their safety was one of my biggest concerns and the risk of getting injured is pretty low. I was also happy that this was a sport and skill that they could continue enjoying for the rest of their lives.
We started with the Olympic Aquatic Club swim team and had three amazing coaches-Coach Bonnie Burnmaster, Coach Marilynn Grindrod, and Coach Amy Meyer. They had coached a few Olympic swimmers that came out of Kitsap, so we felt very fortunate to have access to that caliber of coaches. Sometimes, things come up that require changes, so we left OAC and went to the newly formed Haselwood YMCA Hammerheads team. Whereas OAC was very competitive, the Hammerheads were competitive but focused on having fun. We had several amazing years with this team.
By this time, my oldest was in High School, so hello, High School swimming! Over the years, my high schools have went to leagues, district, and state. We had spaghetti feeds, new swim friends and banquets. High school swimming is a completely different deal than club swimming. It becomes more of a bonding thing with their peers. The other thing it seems to do is recharges them and gives them a new perspective on swimming. Afterwards, they all came back to club swimming, ready to push even more.
While we were swimming with Haselwood, the Bremerton YMCA, decided to start a team of their own. I had watched them for about a year and liked that they were a bit more competitive even though they were still a Y team. For one thing, they were also part of the USA Swimming. Another thing was that two of our previous coaches, Coach Marilynn and Coach Amy were their coaches. My sons, Trayton and Tiernann, were in high school and middle school and were wanting more of a challenge. Although they were not fond of leaving their Haselwood teammates, (because with swim team, their teammates become more like an extended family) they somewhat reluctantly tried out the Bremerton YMCA swim team. They had a renewed interest in getting very competitive and quickly jumped in with the team.
Swimming definitely keeps our family busy, but it is so rewarding! It has been amazing seeing what they each have accomplished. Watching the confidence that swimming gives them spreads to all parts of their lives. They are active and fit. Club swimming allows a broad range of ages, so they have made many friends over the years. Even Taliesin who swims but it isn't his passion, is interested in a water activity, fishing. I just laugh and tell him, at least I prepared him to save himself when a big fish pulls him in the water.
As kids grow, so do their types of activities. My oldest decided to apply for a job as a swim instructor and lifeguard. It was super cool that something they enjoyed so much could also provide a little extra spending money for them too. My oldest even decided to take on a coaching position for awhile. He even got to coach his youngest siblings. Even Domini who was only 3 years old at the time. So far all of my kids who are old enough has worked at the pool.
My high school senior this year, Tiernann, is taking swimming to another level. His high school team won state for the first time ever with only him and 5 other swimmers! Tiernann and his two youngest siblings, Tavyn and Domini, all went to State and Regionals for our swim club. Tiernann went to Senior Sectionals and is taking it to a new level and will be going to YMCA Nationals in Greensboro, NC this Spring.
I understand competitive swimming isn't for everyone, but with all the water surrounding Kitsap County, it really is almost a necessity to learn how to swim. At the very least, learning to swim could save your or your child's life. It can be a great bonding experience for your family and friends whether you are on a beach or in a pool. If you pursue it more, it can be a great way to increase your child's confidence.
Where to go for swim lessons:
*Bremerton YMCA/Haselwood YMCA My favorite because that is where I work and we swim
(You can also sign up here for Haselwood Y, Gig Harbor Y, etc.)
Swim lessons are included with your membership. They do have child only memberships, so look into that if you will not be wanting a membership. Scholarships are also available.
*Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center
Costs are $54 for members and $66 for non-members. They do have the only salt water pool in the area if you have skin allergies to chlorine.
*Olympic High School Pool
$49.50 for 45 minute sessions on Saturdays or $55 for two 30 minute evening sessions each week.
Interested in club swim teams, check out these local teams:
Bremerton YMCA https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=pnbyst
Haselwood YMCA (360) 698-9622
Poulsbo Piranha Swim Team https://www.teamunify.com/SubTabGeneric.jsp?team=pnspps&_stabid_=17837
Bainbridge Island Swim Team https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=pnsbisc
For YMCA swim team- monthly fees are added on top of membership fees. They vary depending on practice days. Other teams, please call directly for information
For the funnest pools to take the kids to play:
My top two suggestions would be the Haselwood YMCA and Bainbridge Island. They both have a sloped little kid play area, lazy river and water slide. Bainbridge Island also has a diving board.
