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Dive into Summer Fun at a Prince William Pool By Colleen Kilday
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s the blooming grass gives way to sizzling tarmac, even the most water-weary Prince William residents are tempted to plunge into the depths of the nearest body of water. While the beach is a bit of a drive, there is no shortage of the next best thing: pools. Many facilities also offer a variety of swim and water safety classes to ensure all can safely splash about.
PWCS Aquatics Center The newest aquatics facility in the county, located at Colgan High School on Dumfries Road, offers the best of both worlds to its visitors with both a leisure and a competition pool. Guests can drop down the 20’ tall water slide — the largest indoor water slide in the area — or get soaked under the leisure pool’s dump buckets and spray rings. The center, however, is best known for its water safety and swim lesson offerings. “We are the only aquatics facility operated by Prince William County Schools and the only to offer a free learn-to-swim program to PWCS second graders,” said Aquatics Manager Allen Dunn. “The program, Water Safety School, provides free swimming and water safety instruction to our second grade students during the school day; in a typical year, approximately 4,000 students participate in the program.” Swim lessons are also offered to visitors aged six months and up with a ratio of one American Red Cross-certified instructor to six participants or less. Additional information on the center’s
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June 2022 prince william living
swim lessons can be found at lessons.pwcsaquatics.com. Those who have already refined their water safety expertise have a place at the center, too: aspiring lifeguards and swim instructors are encouraged to join the Aquatics Center team by filling out a job interest form at jobs.pwcsaquatics.com. The PWCS Aquatics Center is located at 13833 Dumfries Road in Manassas, Door #25.
Manassas Park Community Center The Manassas Park Community Center natatorium is an indoor, NCAA short course-certified pool featuring eight 25-yard lanes and perfect for any level of swimmer looking to strengthen their skills. The independent-minded learner can utilize the center’s kickboards, pull buoys, and life jackets, while those seeking a little more hands-on assistance can choose from a variety of classes. From the basic fundamentals of water safety to American Red Cross Lifeguard classes, the center has a class tailored to meet the unique needs of each age group and level of proficiency. Swim, water safety, and group exercise classes are viewable at manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/aquatics. The Manassas Park Community Center Natatorium is located at 99 Adams Street in Manassas Park.
Waterworks Waterpark Swimming isn’t just an important safety skill; it can open up a
