Milwaukee City Wire

There are numerous aquatic programs available at Milwaukee Recreation's pools, catering to a diverse range of community members. These offerings include swim lessons for beginners, master's swim sessions for early risers, and swim teams aimed at future Olympians. The programs also provide triathlon training and safety courses for first responders.

Participants and staff have shared their experiences with the aquatics program. Sabley Sabin, a participant, expressed pride in the extensive variety of classes available: “I’ve lived in Milwaukee for 40-some years, so I’m really proud that we have such an extensive, well-thought-out, vast array of classes for the littles and the oldies." She emphasized the affordability and quality of the classes.

Aquatics supervisor Luke Chojnacki highlighted the benefits of engaging with Milwaukee Recreation: “Milwaukee Recreation is a great way to experience and share the things you enjoy, to learn and explore new things, and to get involved with your community.”

Instructor Nancy Zaborowski sees her role as a way to give back: “As a recent retiree and a senior citizen, [working for Milwaukee Recreation] is a way for me to give back to my community."

Another instructor, Linda Bacelis-Bush, appreciates how the program fosters skill-sharing within the community: “Milwaukee Recreation has so many offerings... it’s the Milwaukee community sharing their skills with each other."

The program offers aqua fitness courses throughout the year. Sabin spoke about her positive experience with these courses: “The [aqua bootcamp] class in particular, I love the rigor of it.” She found camaraderie and strength training through participation.

Participant Katharine Loveland noted personal health benefits from water aerobics: “Just to be able to get in here and do it... I really believe this water aerobics cures all ills.”

Milwaukee Recreation also provides essential swim lessons and water safety courses. Elyse Escobedo observed changes in children participating in swim lessons: “When the kiddos first come [to our swim lessons], they are very timid and shy... they open up little by little.”

Bacelis-Bush emphasized the importance of these programs for children's safety: “It is imperative that all kids throughout our city go through some programs on the basics of water."

Loveland concluded by highlighting Milwaukee Recreation as a valuable community resource: “[Milwaukee Recreation] is just a wonderful community-builder, and its affordable.”