Get in shape with the latest craze: Zumba!

Two classes are being offered beginning in August. A Zumba Toning class begins Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 12:15 p.m. Zumba Toning is a blend of body-sculpting techniques and specific Zumba moves designed with the use of the “maraca-like” Zumba Toning sticks that enhance rhythm and build strength. A regular Zumba class is offered at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Zumba classes are free to members.


We Love Our Lifeguards

The lifeguards at the Old Town Hot Springs are the ones who keep swimmers and visitors safe all year. The pool employs 38 lifeguards on the payroll, with 29 Junior Guards and Water Safety Assistants. There are two head guards who oversee all guards on deck. They are P.J. Wiemers and Sam Huff.

Guards are certified, with a 30-hour course for lifeguarding, CPR/AED, Emergency Oxygen, and First Aid. The lifeguard certification is good for three years while the other certifications must be renewed annually. Training takes place weekly while guards are on duty. Junior Guards/WSA take a week-long course which certifies them in both disciplines. Aquatics Director Jill Ruppel says, “The positions allow our young teens to be a part of the OTHS staff in entry level jobs.” Ruppel recognizes the importance of a good staff of guards, adding, “We have an amazingly professional team this year.”


Wet And Wild On The Waterslides

If you’re feeling the need for speed, try out the waterslides at the Old Town Hot Springs. The waterslides are open every day this summer, from noon until 6:00 p.m. The summer schedule runs through Labor Day. You must be 48 inches tall to ride the waterslides, and children must pass the swim test. Slide pass prices have changed this year. It is now $5 for an unlimited slide ride bracelet. A single ride is $2.


Member of the Month

Charlie Reynolds keeps in shape for his winter Ski Patrol job by working out at the Old Town Hot Springs. The August Member of the Month says, “I like to work out and then I like to soak in the warm waters. The Old Town Hot Springs is one of my favorite places in Steamboat.” Reynolds and his family have been Lifetime Members for at least 15 years. Wyatt is going into 6th grade and says, “I like the slide, and relaxing in the pools. My favorite snacks (at the Dreamboat Café) are the pretzels and pizza.” Look for Charlie in the heart pool.


Lap Lane Availability

The majority of the swim team season is over for the summer and more lap lanes are now available. As of August 1, eight lap lanes will be available Monday through Friday, from 5:30 to 8:15 each morning. Lanes 1-4 are open from 8:15-9:45 a.m., and four lanes are open from 9:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. As of August 9, eight lanes will be available Monday through Friday, from 5:30-9:45 a.m. On Saturdays, eight lanes will be available from 7:00-10:00 a.m. After that, four lanes are available for lap swim until closing. On Sundays, eight lanes are available from 8:00-10:00 in the morning, and then four lanes available from 10:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Aquatics Director Jill Ruppel says, “I want to express my appreciation to all lap swimmers who adjusted their workout time so that Team Lightning could practice all together this summer.  As you have probably read in the Steamboat Pilot & Today, the team is experiencing great success.  More swimmers than ever are qualifying for championship meets.  More children are developing a lifelong love for the sport.  To all adult lap swimmers, I want to say thank you for supporting the youth of our community.”

There is also a free Masters workout for members several days a week. Masters swims are Mondays, 6:15-7:15 p.m., and Tuesday/Thursdays, noon to 1:00 p.m. Lanes five through eight are reserved for the class. Please know that if you are in those lanes during the Masters swim time, you will be asked to join the class, or move to lanes one through four.


Stroke The Distance

Stroke the Distance, the individual swim competition for the summer months, wraps up August 28. Lap swimmers have been keeping a log of yards swam through the aquatics office, and receive prizes when they reach milestones. Fifteen miles wins you two OTHS guest passes, 25 miles gets you a special gift certificate, 50 miles earns you a treat from Honey Stinger, and there are more milestones at 100, 150, and 200 miles. The top swimmer at the end of the 89 days will receive an additional prize as well. The entry fee is $5, which is a direct donation to the Wayne Kakela Scholarship Fund for underprivileged kids and families in Routt County, and there is no deadline. John Ward is leading with over 100 miles.


One Summer Swim Session Is Left

Help your kids learn a lifelong sport by enrolling them in swim lessons. One session remains this summer, August 9-19. All levels of classes are available. Details are online, or check with Swim Lesson Coordinator Nancy Gray, at 970-879-1828, ext. 313.




Fun In The Sun With Swim Club

It’s a party in the pool, 5-6 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at the Old Town Hot Springs. It’s Swim Club time and your kids will love it. Swim Club is for recreational swimmers ages 6-15 who are looking to have fun and improve their fitness and skills in the water, as well as have a blast learning new games. Age groups are separated. Punch cards are available or you can drop in. Nancy Gray has the details at 970-879-1828, ext. 313.


 Find Us On Facebook

Check out the Old Town Hot Springs Facebook page. We provide updates all of the time with the latest classes, schedule changes, news, and information. See what members are doing and look for your friends enjoying the warm waters of the Old Town Hot Springs. Nearly 750 friends have joined the Old Town Hot Springs Facebook page and we hope to see you there soon.