Public Aquatic Center Access

[ShallowDiverDave]

Has anyone ever sought the use of a public aquatic center for practice? I have an aquatic center near my house that is run by my county park and recreation department, but I'm uncertain how they will respond to my request. Now, I know for a fact that scuba diving is taught in this facility, but I'm looking to practice in it myself when I can. I'm wondering, do I have any chance of them allowing me to do so? If anyone has done this, did they make you fill out paper work in case you bit the dust? What was the procedure for you? And if you have not attempted this, any advice on increasing my chances of them saying yes?

thanks,

David

 

[covediver]

David

A couple of thoughts from a lifeguard and five-day-a-week pool user who practices breath hold, underwater hockey, and scuba skills in a pool.

I think your chances are about 50-50.

If they object, it may be on the grounds that the use is incompatible with open swim, people going off the diving boards and landing on divers and so on. Does the pool have a prohibition on swimming with mask, fins, and snorkel during open swim? Many do. If so, they will by extension, oppose scuba during that time. If not, point out that putting on a tank is just like snorkeling, etc.

The municipal pools in Anchorage until recently had "scuba nights" open to people who wanted to snorkel and dive. It was a way of filling the pool with paying customers when the pool would otherwise largely be empty. If the aquatics center is in a budgetary fight for its life (as many are across the country) they may be amenable to having this as a "new" public use as a way to expand their clientel, especially if it happens when the pool is underutilized.

You mention that they already teach scuba classes there. I would venture that the dive shop is actually renting the pool during that time. If so and you can fit it into your schedule, contact the dive shop owner and negotiate a reasonable price for you to practice while they have the pool. I know two shops up here that will allow that arrangement for a very reasonable cost ($5.00) which is less than the normal one time entry for open swim. If the county runs the lessons, ask if you can hop in during that time.

Private health clubs with pools may be a little more lenient than public pools.

If all else fails, figure out how to hop the fence after hours.

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

Thanks covediver, this is exactly the response I was after.

 

[covediver]

a couple of other things.

Pool managers are concerned about dive equipment damaging the pool surface. These concerns include scuffs from lead weights, deck clutter, etc.

A reasonable request to anticipate is to use coated weights, belts with pouches, or integrated weights.

Deck clutter and obstacles to other patrons is avoided by asking the pool manager to suggest gear up areas.

Also, if you do get in, let the lifeguard supervisor or lead guard know what is going on, we do appreciate the courtesy.

The pool director may require that you can only dive when guards are on duty. If so, it is because there is probably a risk management requirement that guards be on duty whenever anyone is in the public pool. These requirements are usually not negotiable by the pool manager.

 

[almitywife]

different country but when hubby was doing his IDC i rang our local swim centre and spoke to the manager so we could practice senarios for his exams

i was at pains to explain that we wouldnt be damaging the tiles with our equipment

he allowed us to use their pool 0.5hrs before close time and an 1.5hrs after close time becasue they had aerobics happening at the other end

cheers

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

Well I went by the facility and spoke with the folks at the front desk. They said I need to speak with the supervisor, who from her card, she works for the county. I sent her an email asking for permission to use the facility. I sure hope she is understanding <crosses fingers>.

David

 

[freediver]

Chocolate chip cookies couldn't hurt! Ask them if there is any down time and that you would be willing to pick up the hairballs and ponytail holders from the bottom of the pool.

 

[Nemrod]

Usually you can join the YMCA and use their pool. I have done this in every town I have lived in and that has been a bunch. From time to time they hassle me a bit until they realize I am not actually a weird frog man from the Blue Lagoon. I generally combine my scuba practice with some lap swimming and this seems to make sense to them. That would be my suggestion. They usually have open swims various times of the day and that is when I go, often the pool is empty in the winter especially on Sunday mornings etc. I have experimented with numerous types of gear, even run my DPVs in the pool and towed kids around--gently. I will often bring a cheap set of kids fin(s) and mask(s) and let them play with them to keep them away from me, even give it to them.

N