Published: June 03, 2008 03:45 pm         

Summer Swimming

Swimming is a wonderful recreational activity for men, women, and children during the summer, an activity with numerous health benefits to boot.

Besides being fun and relaxing, according to the United States Water Fitness Association, swimming benefits people physically, socially, and mentally. When done on a regular basis, it leads to improved strength and flexibility, a stronger heart, a better physique, and enhanced stamina and balance. And it can help in weight control efforts.

Beyond purchasing a metal frame or an inflatable swimming pool from a discount store or spending quite a few dollars on a custom swimming pool for the backyard, Valdosta has several “wet” activities for individuals hoping to survive the dog days of summer with style. Better health come the fall will just be an added bonus.



• The Valdosta-Lowndes Recreation, Parks, and Community Affairs Department’s John W. Saunders Park at 1151 River Street has a water splash play area. Call (229) 259-5478 for details.

• Featuring a baby pool and an adult pool, Ralph K. Harrington Park and Pool is located at 509 South Fry Street. It is one of several area parks operated by the Valdosta-Lowndes Recreation, Parks, and Community Affairs Department. Call (229) 333-1887 for details.

• The Valdosta-Lowndes County YMCA boasts a large AquaPark complete with an interactive spray pool with waterfalls and slide; a pool for toddlers with a water fountain and wading area; a pool for children under 4 feet tall with a mushroom slide, a jet spray, and umbrella water; a four-lane, 25-yard training pool for aquatic fitness and swimming instruction; and a 25-meter pool with a large deck for sunbathing and diving board. It also boasts the Piranha Swim Team for youth between the ages of 5 and 18 and water aerobics classes. Call (229) 244-4646 for details.

• Wild Adventures has Splash Island Water Park. It offers all the chills and thrills of any other water park. All ages can float in a tube or bob around in the surf or just wade on in the 20,000 square foot Catchawave Bay, experience a heart stopping drop on Tri-phoon, or take a lazy tube ride on Paradise River or a quick run down the twin slides of the Double-Dip Zip. Visit www.wildadventures.net for details.



Don’t know how to swim?

• Through July 18, Valdosta State University will offer swimming lessons for individuals ages 3 and up, both swimmers and non-swimmers. The classes will be taught day and night in the heated indoor pool at the Student Recreation Center on Sustella Avenue. Call (229) 245-6484 for details.

• The Valdosta-Lowndes County YMCA at 2424 Gornto Road offers swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. Call (229) 244-4646 for details.

• Tiny Bubbles specializes in teaching children 6 months to 6 years of age survival swimming skills. It features an enclosed pool at 1509 Hickory Road. Call (229) 333-9600 for details.



Looking to get out of town?

• On its 375-acre lake, Reed Bingham State Park in Adel has a swimming beach, complete with lots of white sand. When not swimming or sunbathing, visitors can hike on seven miles of trails, do a little bird watching, play some miniature golf, or canoe, fish, or bike. Call (229) 896-3551 for details.