Howdy!

Thank you for supporting the Carl Levin Park Swimming Pool; we’re happy you’re here! Summertime in Central Texas can be brutal, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than going for a dip right in the middle of town. Though our policies and procedures will be a bit more in depth this year, we hope that you will enjoy your time with us in the same way that you and your family have since the pool opened in 1999. Whether you are participating in an aquatics fitness class, learning to swim for the first time, or just enjoying a refreshing dip, we look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,

Jeff Achee

Parks and Recreation Director

Vision Statement

Creating community through people, parks, and programs.

Aquatics Department Mission

To provide our diverse community with the means to enjoy a safe and fun aquatics experience.

Staff

Recreation Manager

⇓

Athletics/Aquatics Coordinators

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Pool Managers

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Lifeguards ⇔ Cashiers

Pool Facts

Maximum Bather Load: 320 persons

Surface Area: 4,640 square feet

Pool Volume: 135,000 gallons

Turnover Rate: 5 hours

Pool Opening Date: 1999

Pool Season

CLOSED for 2023 Season

POOL SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON POOL STATUS.

Daily Operations

CLOSED for 2023 Season

 *CAPACITY WILL BE LIMITED DURING OPEN SWIM HOURS BASED ON STAFFING LEVELS*

*OPEN SWIM MAY EXPAND WITH MORE LIFEGUARD HIRES*

Pool Rules

1. Patrons shall obey instructions of Aquatics Staff.

2. Showering is recommended before entering pool.

3. Running or horseplay is prohibited.

4. Animals are not allowed within the complex.

5. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed.

6. No diving allowed.

7. No smoking within the pool complex.

8. The only flotation devices allowed are U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life vests and floaties.

9. Throwing toys are not allowed.

10. Persons with open cuts, wounds, or blisters are advised not to use the pool.

11. Swimsuits are required.

• T-backs, cutoffs, jean shorts, etc. are not permitted.
• A t-shirt may be worn over a bathing suit.

12. No public displays of affection are allowed.

13. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult not less than 16 years of age.

14. Profanity or abusive language will not be tolerated.

15. Diaper aged children and diaper dependent adults must wear approved “swim diapers”.

16. The facility may be closed, or its use limited at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or at the managers’ discretion.

17. Harker Heights Parks and Recreation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Stay Home When You Are Sick

Children who are sick or who's parents are sick should remain at home for the safety of other children, parents, and staff.

Vomit

Please refrain from feeding children before Learn-to-Swim lessons or open swim, unless they are fed at least one hour before swimming. At least one hour will allow ample time for digestion and should eliminate most cases of vomit in the pool.

Feces

This is reminder to take your child to the restroom before Learn-to-Swim class or open swim. Swim diapers are required for all children who are not toilet trained.

Diarrhea

Please do not allow children with active diarrhea or who are recovering from diarrhea to go into the pool. Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) may occur when individuals are exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter.

Pool Closures

The pool must be closed for obvious health reasons when vomit, fecal, or other health contamination occurs.

Chlorine and PH

Levels are checked four to six times daily with random checks by the Health Department. Chlorine level are kept between .5 and 1.5 with pH held between 7.2 and 7.8. Eye burn can occur through irritation of the eyes due to rinsing off of the external eye fluid. Use of goggles is recommended for levels four and higher due to extended eye contact with pool water. Use of goggles is not recommended for children in levels three and below.

Overexposure to the Sun

All patrons should use sunscreen. If t-shirts are worn, they should be close fitting to avoid restriction of movement.

Dry Skin

To prevent, shower off after class and apply lotion.

Ear Infections

Swimmer's ear which is an infection of the ear canal from resulting moisture being trapped may result from extended use. Commercial preparations may help to dry the ear out. See a physician for treatment of pain or discharge from the ear.

Skin Infections

Any students with open wounds, lesions, contagious rashes, etc. will not be allowed to swim, but are encouraged to sit at the pool side to listen, watch, and learn.

2023 POOL SEASON CLOSED

Daily Admission Fees

CASH ONLY!

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times upon entering the pool facility.

If an individual leaves the facility, they must pay the admission fee to re-enter.

Swimming Seasonal Passes

Season passes are only good for the current swim season. Passes will not cover City sponsored events. Passes must be in the possession of the individual(s) to enter the facility. Passes can be purchased at the Recreation Center beginning TBD.

Seasonal Pass Fee

Day Care Pool Usage

Any organization, group, or day care wishing to utilize the Carl Levin Park Pool must apply and be approved by the Parks and Recreation Department one week prior to pool usage. Any group not approved will not be allowed to enter the pool.  

Calling All Instructors

In our mission to provide our diverse community with the means to enjoy a safe and fun aquatics experience, we are looking for instructors in aquatics based activities.

We would appreciate your comments on our programs and staff. We strive to improve our organization and courses so we can offer the best possible experience.

Important

We ask that all parents read the following information. Not only will it answer many questions you may have, but you will be able to tell your children what they will be doing and learning. We believe this will make them more enthusiastic about their lessons as well as eager to learn.

Medical Problems

Medical histories should be available at pool site for students with medical problems. Inform staff upon registration of any special accommodations needed.

Instructors and Aides

Water Safety Instructors and Instructor Aides are certified by the American Red Cross. 

WARNING!

A certificate from any one of our classes does not ensure against drowning. Panic is the major cause of drowning and even a good swimmer can panic. Parents should at all times watch children around water, even when a lifeguard is on duty. Parents know their child's ability level and can spot a problem more quickly than a lifeguard. Never assume that a child is safe in a swim ring, inner-tube, float toy, or holding onto a kickboard. The child may float into water over their head or lose their floating support and find themselves too far from safety.

Swim Lesson Goals

• Safety of all students.
• Provide a positive and happy experience.
• Teach students to enjoy the water.
• Impart the life skill of swimming.
• Educate on water safety.
• Emphasize self-help which is the ability to get oneself out of a dangerous situation by not panicking, rolling over onto the back, floating, and calling for help or by swimming to the side and calling for help and getting out.

Evaluation of Skills

Evaluations will be done by program supervisors for strokes that students swim for 25 yards or more and evaluations will be done by instructors if the stroke is swam for less than 25 yards. Evaluations are completed on the 7th and 8th day of class. All students receive a certificate listings skills taught and evaluated. Instructors will indicate on the certificate the class that students should enroll in next. Most children require more than one session in a particular level before advancing to the next level. Endurance, coordination, and comfort in the water contribute to the student's progress. Remaining in a level for more than one session does not mean the child has not improved, but that more practice is needed to improve current skills and prepare for more advanced skills of the next level.

Learn-to-Swim Registration

POOL SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

2023 POOL SEASON CLOSED

Your child must have mastered the skills of all preceding classes when registering a new level. If your child has passed a level, but has not practiced recently, we recommend your child repeat their last level completed.

Registration dates and procedures are subject to change by management.

Pricing

Refunds and Transfers

All refunds and transfers must be requested at least seven days before the session begins to ensure staff have adequate time to prepare for necessary instructor assignments based upon attendance. No refunds or transfer will be permitted less than seven days before session begins.

Doctor's note is required for full refund or transfer due to extended illness.

A $5 administrative fee is charge for all refunds.

Attendance

Please be punctual, but if you are late to class, please take your child to the instructor in the pool. Please do not bring children earlier than 5 minutes before class. Children who attend all classes will benefit.

Learn-To-Swim Schedule

POOL SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

2023 POOL SEASON CLOSED

Session 1:

Session 2:

Session 3: 

Session 4:

Session 5:

All classes meet Monday - Thursday for two weeks. Classes are approximately 45 minutes in length. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons. Classes will have a 12 person maximum per level. Children ages 6 months to 15 years are eligible to register.

Class Assignments

Children will be given a short swim test on the first day so we may group them according to ability within a class and determine if they are in the correct level. A Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or pool manager may transfer a student as necessary. Since many children may be out of practice, we may move a child back to a class level to review, practice, and improve their skills to insure they meet class skill prerequisites.

Practice

Practice is one of the biggest factors in learning to swim. Additional practice of skills learned in class is needed if children are to become proficient swimmers. Please take your children to a pool to practice whenever possible.

Cancelled Classes

If classes must be canceled, the decision to cancel is made approximately 15 minutes before class time. You may call the pool lesson site 15 minutes before class time or visit teamsideline.com/harkerheights. If we must get out of the water, instructors will cover required safety portions of the course. Classes may be canceled for bad weather, mechanical problems, or unexpected situations affecting health. Canceled classes will be made up on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays if needed. No refunds for canceled classes.

Restrooms

Three, four, and five year olds will be escorted to the restroom during class time. Children six years and older will be allowed to go by themselves. Please encourage children to go to the restroom before class begins.

Crying

If your child cries very much during the first and second day, we may ask you to get in with them. If your child cries after this, transfer (no transfer fee) to a Parent & Child class or to a later session is recommended. If this happens, we recommend you take the child swimming to the pool and work on some swimming skills with them.

Special Needs

If you child has special needs, please indicate this during registration. We will do our best to accommodate the special needs of the student(s). We must have adequate time to plan for ways to meet the special needs requested. Without prior notification of special needs, we may not be prepared and able to help with the special needs requested.

Class Discipline

We reserve the right to take children out of classes when they are verbally or physically abusive to other students or staff, or they disrupt the class.

Prepare Your Child

Give your child an opportunity to visit the pool before class. Describe what will be happening and perhaps talk to an instructor. Even very young children can benefit from this orientation. Facilitate practice and review of skills and activities at home or during open swim at the pool. The more practice, the better your child will learn.

Be Prompt

Children can get anxious if hurried. Allow plenty of time before and after class for showering, going to the bathroom, and dressing.

Follow Rules

You are responsible for your child's actions. Teach, talk about, and review pool rules and lead by example.

Complete All Levels

Make sure your child completes all the learn-to-swim levels so that they truly have the skills to be safe in, on, and around water.

Encourage Safe Practices

Young children cannot be expected to exercise good judgment and caution. Children must be constantly reminded to walk slowly in the pool area and only enter the water with the instructor during the class and with you after class.

Have Patience

It is important not to pressure your child to perform before they are ready. Readiness results from maturity, experiences, and other individual factors.

Avoid Comparisons

No two children develop at the same rate. Each child learns at a different pace depending on factors such as physical growth, individual development, comfort, practice, and previous experience. Avoid comparing your child to their siblings or other children.

Provide Encouragement

Encourage your child to do everything, but do not force them to do anything. Let your child know that learning involves lots of practice and they should keep trying.

Be Positive

Use a positive attitude when correcting behavior or enforcing rules. Discuss what behavior is expected in addition to pointing out what the child has done wrong.

Give Praise

Recognize your child's efforts, no matter how small the accomplishment. Success promotes success and praise should be descriptive of an action. For example, instead of saying "Good job", say "I like the way you blew those big bubbles."

Parent Days

First and last days are considered Parent Days. On the first day of the session, you can help your child get acquainted with a new situation and on the last day you may bring your camera or video and watch your child display all the swimming skills they have acquired.

Parents in the Pool Area

Except for the first and last days of the session or requested by the WSI because the child is crying on the first or second day, parents will be asked to remain in the designated waiting area. This is because children are easily distracted by nearby spectators and activities of others. Some areas are shady and some allow you to work on your tan. We are happy to provide designated waiting areas as long as it does not compromise the quality of the teaching environment.

Swim Lesson Environment

When spectators remain in the designated waiting areas, it will contribute to a safe and quiet atmosphere for teaching. Teachers will be better able to maintain the attention of their students. Lifeguards will be able to devote more attention to their students and lifeguards will be able to devote more attention to the safety of the children in the pool. Our experience has been that we do the best job when we have the cooperation of parents and visitors helping eliminate excess activity in the pool area. Thank you for your cooperation.

What causes fear of the water?

There are many causes of fear of the water including but not limited to:

• Having caretakers who are afraid of the water and have either knowingly or unknowingly communicated this fear to their children.
• Being in an environment that prevents childhood water play.
• Being forced into water activities beyond ability or comfort level.
• Being carelessly handled during water experiences.
• Being involved in or witnessing a traumatic water accident.
• Having a fear of the unknown or a fear of new experiences.

What helps prevent fear of the water?

Fear cannot always be prevented, but you can help reduce fear by:

• Providing enjoyable nonthreatening water activities that are simple and fun to build confidence and success.
• Arrange for regular continued contact with a water environment.
• Select safe water environments and supervise all water play.
• Treat water mishaps sympathetically, but do not alarm your child.
• Be aware of your facial expressions and choice of words so that you do not signal panic or fear.
• Lead by example by following rules and enjoying the water with your child.

What if my child already has a fear of the water?

Respect your child's feelings. Teasing or getting angry only makes matters worse. Progress slowly by following these guidelines:

• Provide time for your child to adjust to the new setting.
• Concentrate on activities your child is comfortable and ready.
• Expose your child to other children who are having fun.
• Enjoy the water yourself with your child.

How many lessons is it going to take for my child to "swim"?

First, your child should complete all levels of learn-to-swim to develop full competency. A child who has only completed level four or five may have acquired just the basic skills for swimming, and it may take several seasons for a child to successfully complete all levels. Second, children vary widely when it come to learning a skill. In general, each child's readiness is influenced by physical development, previous experiences, home environment, parental attitudes, and individual preferences. For most skills, there are simple prerequisites, activities, and lead-ups that can prepare the child to perform these skills. For example, before children are ready to put their entire face in the water, they may need to practice blowing bubbles, washing the face, splashing, and putting parts of the face in the water. It may take 30 - 80 lessons before a child can swim independently.

What if my child cannot keep up with the class?

This is a reminder to avoid comparisons with other children and siblings. All children acquire skills at different times. The instructor can adapt and adjust the level of difficulty to the individual child. This way, your child will feel a part of the group, but will practice at their level. Consult with the instructor or the facility program coordinator if you believe that your child needs to be in a different level class.

What can I do to help?

Enrolling your child in swim lessons is the first step. You need to have your child attend class on a regular basis, work together with the instructor, and take time for other practice and water play opportunities outside of the program. Children that swim only during the summer months may have diminished swim skills.

Can I sign up for more than one class at a time?

The Parks and Recreation Department requires that you only register for one level at a time. This is based on your child going down a level, repeating a level, or going up a level. Not only would your child be signed up for the wrong level, but a refund cannot be given because your child is preventing another from participating.

Can I stay and watch my child participate?

Yes. By watching the swim lesson program, the parent can listen to what skills need to be perfected in order for the child to advance to the next level.

Can I or my other child swim during lessons?

No. This has the potential to disturb the class and is also unsafe because the Water Safety Instructors are preoccupied with swim lessons.

Parent and Child Aquatics - STARFISH

Starfish:  6 months to 36 months with one parent/guardian

Class Length:  45 Minutes

Purpose:  Introduces basic skills to parents and children.

Note:  Class does not teach children to be accomplished swimmers nor to survive in the water.

Needs:  

• Swim diapers
• Bathtub toy that floats
• Drink and snack after lesson

Please ensure child is not hungry or tired, but do not eat within one hour of class.

Skills:  

1. Water entry and exit.
2. Breath control/blowing bubbles.
3. Front float and glide.
4. Back float and glide.
5. Rolling over.
6. Leg action on front and back.
7. Underwater exploration.
8. Arm action.
9. Combined arm and leg actions.
10. Reaching assists.
11. Importance of wearing a life jacket.
12. Basic water safety rules.
13. Safety at the beach and water park.
14. Water toys and their limitations.

Introduction to Water Skills - FROGS

Frogs:  Ages 3 - 5 years old

Class Length:  45 Minutes

Purpose:  To help students feel comfortable in the water and to enjoy the water safely.

Note:  

• All Skills are demonstrated with support in this level.
• Swim diapers are required for all children who are not toilet trained.

Exit Skills: 

1. Enter unassisted, move 5 yards, bob 5 times to chin level and safely exit the water (participants can walk, travel along the gutter or swim).
2. Float on front with support for 3 seconds, rollover onto back (with assistance), float on back with support for 3 seconds.

Skills:  

1. Enter and exit the water safely using a ladder, steps or side of the pool.
2. Submerge mouth, nose and eyes.
3. Exhale underwater (blow bubbles) through mouth and nose (3 seconds).
4. Open eyes underwater, pick up a submerged object held at arm's length (2 times).
5. Show comfort maintaining a front float position, while supported; face may be in or out of the water (5 seconds).
6. Recover from a front float to a standing position while supported.
7. Show comfort maintaining a back float position while supported (5 seconds).
8. Recover from a back float to a standing position while supported.
9. Change direction of travel while walking or paddling.
10. Roll over from front to back while supported.
11. Roll over from back to front while supported.
12. Explore arm and hand movements while treading in chest-deep water with support.
13. Swim on front using any combination of arm and leg actions while supported (5 feet).
14. Swim on back using any combination of arm and leg actions while supported (5 feet).
15. Discuss water safety rules.
16. Discuss how to use a lifejacket.
17. Demonstrate wearing a lifejacket in the water.
18. Discuss how to recognize a swimmer in distress.
19. Demonstrate how to get help.

Fundamental Aquatic Skills - MINNOWS

Minnows:  Ages 5 years old and up

Class Length:  45 Minutes

Purpose:  To provide student with opportunities for success with fundamental skills.

Prerequisite:  Minimum age of 5 or passed Level 1

Exit Skills:  

1. Step from pool side into chest-deep water, move into a front float for 5 seconds, roll over to a back float, return to standing position, then move into a back float for 5 seconds and return to a standing position.
2. Push off and swim using a combination of arm and leg movements for 15 feet on the front, push off and swim using a combination of arm movement for 15 feet on the back.

Skills:  

1. Enter water independently by jumping or stepping from the side.
2. Exit water independently using a ladder or side.
3. Submerge entire head (5 seconds).
4. Blow bubbles, submerging head in a rhythmic pattern (bobbing) (5 times).
5. Open eyes underwater, pick up a submerged object in shallow water (3 times).
6. Show comfort maintaining a front float position with face in the water (5 seconds).
7. Recover from a front float to a standing position.
8. Demonstrate a front glide (2 body lengths).
9. Float in a face-down position (jellyfish float) (5 seconds).
10. Show comfort maintaining a back float position (5 seconds).
11. Recover from a back float to a standing position while unsupported.
12. Demonstrate a back glide (2 body lengths).
13. Change direction of travel while paddling on front or back.
14. Roll over from front to back.
15. Roll over from back to front.
16. Tread water, using arm and leg motions, in chest-deep water.
17. Swim on front using any combination of arm and leg actions while unsupported (15 feet).
18. Swim on back using any combination of arm and leg actions (15 feet).
19. Swim on side using an alternating or simultaneous leg action (5 feet).
20. Discuss water safety rules.
21. Discuss how to use a lifejacket.
22. Move in the water while wearing a lifejacket.
23. Discuss how to recognize a swimmer in distress.
24. Demonstrate how to get help.

Stroke Development - SEAHORSES

Seahorses:  Ages 10 years old and up

Class Length:  45 Minutes

Purpose:  To build on the skills in Level 2 by providing additional guided practice.

Prerequisite:  Minimum age of 10 or passed Level 2

Exit Skills:  

1. Step from pool side into chest-deep water, move into a front float for 5 seconds, roll over to a back float, return to standing position, then move into a back float for 5 seconds and return to a standing position.
2. Push off and swim using a combination of arm and leg movements for 15 feet on the front, push off and swim using a combination of arm movement for 15 feet on the back.

Skills:

1. Jump into deep water from the side.
2. Demonstrate a head-first entry from the side in a sitting or kneeling position.
3. Submerge and retrieve an object (independently) from chest-deep water (3 seconds).
4. Bob with head fully submerged, in chest-deep water (5 times).
5. Demonstrate rotary breathing with body in a horizontal position (5 times).
6. Demonstrate a front glide using 2 different kicks (2 body lengths).
7. Demonstrate a survival float in deep water (30 seconds).
8. Demonstrate a back glide using 2 different kicks (2 body lengths).
9. Demonstrate a back float in deep water (30 seconds).
10. Change from a vertical to a horizontal position on front.
11. Change from a vertical to a horizontal position back.
12. Tread in deep water, using hand and leg movements (30 seconds).
13. Demonstrate each stroke for the following distance:
    • Front crawl - 15 yards
    • Back crawl - 15 yards
    • Butterfly kick and body motion - 15 feet
14. Discuss general water safety rules.
15. Discuss rules for safe diving.
16. Enter the water independently using ladder, steps or side while wearing a life jacket.
17. Demonstrate the H.E.L.P. position (1 minute).
18. Demonstrate the huddle position (1 minute).
19. Demonstrate a reaching assist.
20. Discuss Check-Call-Care.

Stroke Improvement - CROCODILES

Crocodiles:  Ages 10 years old and up

Class Length:  45 Minutes

Purpose:  To build student confidence and performance of the swimming strokes learned in Level 3 by providing additional guided practice.

Prerequisite:  Minimum age of 10 or passed Level 3

Exit Skills:  

1. Perform a feet-first entry into chest-deep water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, maintain position on back 1 minute in deep water (float or sculling), and swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards.
2. Swim breaststroke 15 yards, tread water for 1 minute, swim back crawl 25 yards.

Skills:  

1. Demonstrate a dive from a compact or stride or stride position on the side of the pool.
2. Swim underwater (3 body lengths).
3. Demonstrate a feet-first surface dive and submerge completely.
4. Demonstrate a survival float in deep water (1 minute).
5. Demonstrate a back float in deep water (1 minute).
6. Demonstrate an open turn using any stroke on front and push off in a streamlined position.
7. Demonstrate an open turn using any stroke on back and push off in a streamlined position.
8. Tread water using a modified scissors, breaststroke, or rotary kick and sculling arm motions (1 minute).
9. Demonstrate each stroke for the following distances:
   • Front crawl – 25 yards
   • Back crawl – 25 yards
   • Butterfly – 15 yards
   • Breaststroke – 15 yards
   • Elementary backstroke – 15 yards
10. Swim on side using scissor-like kick–15 yards.
11. Discuss rules for safe diving.
12. Demonstrate a compact jump from a height while wearing a lifejacket.
13. Demonstrate a throwing assist.
14. Demonstrate how to care for a conscious choking victim.

Stroke Refinement - DOLPHINS

Dolphins:  Ages 10 years old and up

Class Length:  45 Minutes

Purpose:  To build student confidence and performance of the swimming strokes learned in Level 3 by providing additional guided practice.

Prerequisite:  Minimum age of 10 or passed Level 4

Exit Skills:  

1. Perform a shallow dive into deep water, swim front crawl 50 yards, maintain a back float position for 2 minutes in deep water (float or scull) and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards.
2. Swim breaststroke for 25 yards, tread water for 2 minutes and swim back crawl for 50 yards.

Skills:

1. Demonstrate a shallow dive from the side.
2. Demonstrate a shallow dive, glide two body lengths and begin any front stroke.
3. Swim underwater (15 yards).
4. Demonstrate a tuck and pike surface dive, submerging completely.
5. Demonstrate a survival float (2 minutes).
6. Demonstrate a back float (2 minutes).
7. Demonstrate a flip turn while swimming on front.
8. Demonstrate a flip turn while swimming on back.
9. Tread water using two different kicks (scissors, modified breast, or rotary kick) (2 minutes).
10. Demonstrate the following strokes:
    • Front crawl – 50 yards
    • Back Crawl – 50 yards
    • Butterfly – 25 yards
    • Breaststroke – 25 yards
    • Elementary backstroke – 25 yards
    • Sidestroke – 25 yards
11. Demonstrate survival swimming (2 minutes).
12. Demonstrate rescue breathing.