Aquatic Center offers range of amenities

Published Aug. 4, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Rose Gudex
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For the Airmen looking for a more intense workout or for those who want to get in some cardio with as little running as possible, think about going for a good swim on base!

The Peterson Air Force Base Aquatic Center is under new management and is ready to make the available services even better. Stephen Steinke took over as the 21st Force Support Squadron Aquatic Center assistant director near the beginning of July and said their services are the best kept secret in the area.

"We are very underutilized," he said. "We have a great center and some good programs already in place. We want to expand on that and take it a step further."

Most people know the pool is open for lap swimming and open swim, but they probably don't know what else is available. There is a kiddie pool section available (no lifeguard), a patio, slide, rock wall, some workout equipment, sauna, a hot tub - things you may see at another pool.

At Pete, there are other amenities available upon request as well. The pool can be rented for private parties or you can rent it for birthday parties. Both group and private swim lessons are available. For specifics, get in touch with the Aquatic Center!

That's just the tip of the iceberg for what is coming. Steinke said he wants to start a Master Swim class, swim stroke analysis and an infant survival class.

"Two of us are already certified Masters Swim Coaches," he said. "It's a coached swim session for people who maybe are not being pushed to their limits or capabilities, so we can coach them."

He said the programs don't have a timeline yet, but they're in the works. In the meantime, as the temperature gets cooler, Airmen should keep in mind the pool is open year round. When it gets too cold to exercise outside, there's no need to fall behind in fitness.

With 11 lifeguards on staff, the team at the pool is among the best. They have regular in-service days to practice swimming and life-saving skills.

In addition to in-service days, the team went to Denver to compete in the 30th Annual Colorado Parks and Recreation Association Lifeguard Games to test their skills against area lifeguards. Out of six events, they placed in three. In the swim medley relay, they placed third; in the multi-victim rescue relay, the placed second and for the back boarding scenario, they took second.

Placing so well with a smaller team means a lot to the Aquatic Center - it means the team of lifeguards here is more than proficient at keeping Airmen and their families safe in and around the pool, said Steinke.

"Bottom line is we're a community service organization for the Air Force," he said. "Whatever we have to do to help our war-fighters (be mission ready), then that's what we're going to do."

For more information, call the Aquatic Center at 719-556-4608 or go to http://www.21fss.com/about/aquatics/.

Lifegaurd games