The BYU-Hawaii swimming pool recently reopened, welcoming the student body, faculty, and members of the community, after it was closed during the 2018 Winter Semester. The pool was originally out of service due to a water leak that had to be fixed, according to the BYUH lifeguard lead, Andrew Alonzo, a senior from New Jersey majoring in marine biology.
After draining the pool, the option to patch the leak was disregarded in favor of a total renovation. This choice greatly improved the quality of the facility and patrons said they are enjoying the improvement. Missy Lund, a freshman from Maryland majoring in marine biology, said, "I can’t wait to go more… the tiling makes a difference.”
The facility is now fully operational and offering a variety of services. The decision to improve the pool has allowed greater accessibility for all, shared Alonzo. He said university administrators decided they want to open more hours for everyone.
The new and extended schedule includes hours from Monday through Saturday, with delegated times for lap swim, open swim, community times, and ohana swim, as stated on a scheduling sheet from the aquatic staff.
According to an information pamphlet from the aquatic center, out of the categories, ohana swim is specifically geared towards BYUH staff and married students with their families. Community members interested in using the facility during the community swim times should come equipped with a blue pool pass. Open swim times are meant for BYUH students only, and lap swim is available to both students and faculty. For BYUH students and faculty, a current BYUH ID or PCC-selected ID are required for entry.
While the area is often open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, checking the schedule either online or by phone is suggested to patrons, as it is subject to change. The Honor Code is enforced at the swimming pool, says pool information, and it is expected to be utilized by those in standards. This extends to those who wear Speedos and bikinis, it says.
This schedule allows students and community members to the opportunity to swim at the pool. There are also several courses through the school that are offered for credit and held throughout the semester. For those looking to develop their swimming skills, swimming classes 160 and 161 are offered depending on skill level. Life Saving 164 is another option and is popular, according to students. The course certifies students as lifeguards and builds proficiency in skills such as CPR and AED usage. The course listing can be found on the BYUH school website.
Additionally, for those interested in becoming Red Cross certified instructors for personal development, BYUH offers Life Guarding and Waterfront for Training Instructor 266.
Though the pool typically closes at 9 p.m., there is an option to rent out a time slot for group parties and get togethers outside of regular business hours. Within the first week of use, there had already been a Young Single Adult activity as well as two more scheduled for the coming weeks, said Alonzo. For rates and scheduling, please contact BYUH Educational Outreach.
The reopening has also allowed the creation of more job opportunities for the student body. Red Cross certified lifeguards are on duty during all hours of operation, which many employees said they are grateful for the opportunity to work. Averaging roughly 19 hours a week, with a schedule that is considerate of schoolwork, is indeed a luxury for pool employees, according to Alonzo.
Jamie Hatch, a freshman from New Mexico studying psychology and a recent BYUH lifeguard hire, said, “The scheduling is great, and I love it here… I am comfortable with life guarding by now.”
Alonzo said employees have a wide range of responsibility, from vacuuming the pool and checking adequate chemical levels daily, to cleaning around the pool deck and regular training. Unfortunately, he stated all the aquatic staff positions are filled.
For the hours of the swimming pool, click here.
Writer: Mason Cole