Safe Swimming

May is National Water Safety Month. Everyone needs to work together for all of us to stay safe in the water, especially for our children. We all need to be "water aware." This includes swim lessons, the buddy system, parental supervision, and following the posted rules. It isn't just in the Old Town Hot Springs pools either. It's across the United States, in our rivers, home pools and spas, water parks and resorts, as well as all public swimming and water recreation facilities. We can all work together to be safe.

Safety Is Up To All of Us In Steamboat

The Old Town Hot Springs takes safety very seriously, especially when it comes to Recreational Water Illnesses or RWIs. May 18-24 is Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week. RWIs are spread by swallowing, breathing, or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, water parks, interactive fountains, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans. Those who are especially at risk are children, pregnant women, and persons with compromised immune systems.

Matt Enochs, the Facilities Director for the Old Town Hot Springs, says safety and concern should start at home. "Even though our water is clean, you should treat water in any public swimming pool like you would bath water."

Enochs also says a big part of prevention and overall water safety is from visitors to the pool. Heather Savalox with Routt County Department of Environmental Health agrees. This is what they suggest:

  • Please don't swim when you have diarrhea. This is especially important for those children in diapers.

  • Please don't swallow the pool water. Try not to get it in your mouth at all.

  • Please practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash hands frequently.

  • Please take your kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers often.

  • Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.

  • Please wash your child thoroughly with soap and water before swimming.

"There will be times when we have incidents that the pool has to be closed for a few hours, or as long as 12 hours," according to Enochs. He adds that diarrhea is a big danger. "If you have diarrhea, stay out of the water for two weeks after the symptoms disappear." The Old Town Hot Springs thanks you for your patience and consideration.

Hot Pool To Be Closed And Cleaned

The hot pool will be closed and cleaned May 19-21, in preparation for the busy Memorial Day weekend. The drains are scheduled to be replaced at that time.

The lap pool is cleaned and perfect, ready for swimmers. Facilities Director Matt Enochs and his crew spent a busy week in April scrubbing and power washing every inch of the 25-yard lap pool, and the shallower "crab" pool. It was especially filthy due to the Poochy Paddle held the night of closing. Muriatic acid was used as it helps remove the minerals from the natural hot springs waters.

Poochy Paddle

"Dog Soup" best described the lap pool on Easter afternoon. The 1st Annual Poochy Paddle brought hundreds of dogs and their happy owners, to play in the 25-yard pool, before it was drained and cleaned.
For five dollars, and a food donation to the local Animal Shelter, Routt County residents could bring their pooch for a swim in the steaming waters of the lap pool. Frisbees were flying, and tennis balls were bobbing as dogs of every size and shape tested out the warm mineral waters.

Jim Wallen of Steamboat was the first to show up with his Border Collie, Grace. "She's a water dog and loves to play." He says Grace's favorite things are to swim and play Frisbee, and she's getting to do both. "She's already torn up three or four Frisbees here today."

Marie Lacey of Steamboat says her Springer Spaniel, Zelda, loves to swim. "She has tons of energy. We're hoping it will calm her down but it probably won't. This is also a great atmosphere for the dogs to play together and socialize." Lacey says Zelda usually swims in the river, "But I feel more comfortable having her play in the warm waters of the hot springs pool."

Steamboat's Lou Harris brought 9-year-old Duffy, a Springer Spaniel. "I thought my dog should have some water aerobics. But he hasn't gone in over his head, only up to his elbows. He used to be a swimmer but he isn't interested anymore. Now he's just cruising around, looking for someone who has a biscuit."

Take A Swim Lesson

Swim lessons are underway at the Old Town Hot Springs. Classes are available for all levels throughout the summer. Swim Lesson Coordinator Nancy Gray expects 300 kids and adults to take lessons each summer. Nancy says it is an important life skill, and that all children should have the opportunity to learn to swim. "In a community like Steamboat, with a river and lakes, it is important that kids know water safety. Plus, we have a great place to learn because the water is warm."

Classes start for babies as young as six months, up to adult group or private lessons. Special classes are also being offered for middle school, and high school swimmers (ages 12 years and older). These include: Swimming & Diving, Lifeguard Readiness, Swim Fitness, Volunteer Junior Guard and Personal Water Safety. For more information on classes and registration, please click here

Free To Members

Some things are free at the Old Town Hot Springs, for those who are members. You'll find at least 25 free classes available, which are included in your membership.

8:15 a.m. M/W/F - Fit For Life H20 (Water Aerobics Class)
8:30 a.m. M/W/F - Step Class
8:30 a.m. Tuesday - PBS - Power Balance Strength
9:00 a.m. Saturdays - Step for 45 minutes; Strength for 45 minutes
9:30 a.m. M/W/F - Strength & Stretch
12-12:45 p.m. T/Th - Masters Swimming
12:15 p.m. M/W/F - H20 (Water Aerobics Class)
12:15 p.m.
   •  Monday - Step
   • Tuesday - Total Fitness
   •  Wednesday - Bosu Cardio
   •  Thursday - Total Fitness
   •  Friday - TOW (Total Overload w/Weights)
4:15 p.m. M/W/F - Strength & Stretch
5:00 p.m. M/W - Ab Lab
5:15-6:00 p.m. Monday - Masters Swimming
5:30 p.m. M/W - Total Fitness-Mon Turbo Kickbox - Wednesday
Fitness Center Orientation

Members Of The Month

They swim, they workout, they lift weights. The Franklin Family are our Members of the Month. They have been Lifetime members for six years, when they moved to Steamboat from Chicago. Paul and Mitzi Franklin and their daughters all play tennis, and they all swim. Lucy and Clare are on the swim team.

Lucy, a ninth grader, says, "I like the shallow pool after swim team. It's too hot to go in the hot pool. It's nice and warm when you get out of the cooler water of the lap pool." Clare is in sixth grade at Steamboat Springs Middle School and her favorite things are the water slide and the climbing wall. Mom Mitzi takes fitness classes and uses the weights. "I love working out with my friends. Sometimes, the Old Town Hot Springs is the social spot of Steamboat, for kids and adults!"

New Fun Fitness Classes

Fitness for Life H20: This class is now offered to seniors, those who are just starting a water exercise program and those who might be coming off a rehab program. The class is M-W-F at 8:15 a.m.

Gentle Yoga Class: This class is for anyone who wants to start Yoga, or who wants to experience a gentle and relaxing Yoga class. Fridays, 6:30 a.m.

Time For Tennis

Tennis season is upon us. The nets are up and the outdoor courts are ready for play, weather permitting. Private, semi-private and group lessons are available with Lynne Meyers. Her number is 879-1828, ext. 60. Children's clinics start the week of June 15th. Pick up a flyer at the front desk for details. Tennis leagues are also forming. Sign up in the pink tennis notebook at the front desk. For groups that have already formed, contact Lynne to pick a day and time. See you courtside!

Welcome New Board Members

The board of the Old Town Hot Springs consists of nine members. Karen Connell is president. She's joined by Jill Leary, Donna Mae Hoots, Gary Cogswell and Jeff Troeger. Four others are new to the board.

Matt Tredway has been teaching in the Steamboat schools for over 20 years. He currently teaches 6th grade at the Middle School. He grew up in Gunnison, and has climbed all of Colorado's 14ers. He has also climbed in Canada, Alaska, Peru and Nepal. He is a former instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Matt is an avid rock and ice climber, runner, Nordic skier and mogul skier. He is also on the Winter Sports Club Board of Directors. He looks forward to a continued involvement in Steamboat's recreation and fitness opportunities. Matt is married to Dana, and has two daughters.

Rich Lowe moved to Steamboat a year and a half ago, from Denver. He grew up in Salt Lake City. He has three children, the youngest of which goes to CSU. His wife, Anne, is a local pharmacist. Rich is retired after 32 years with International Paper Company.

He says, "With my retirement I wanted to find an organization in town to work with where my business experience would be of value in helping them accomplish their goals. The OTHS is a wonderful asset for the Steamboat area and one I would like to see continue to prosper."

He wants to see the OTHS continue on a path of fiscal strength by finding ways to continue to improve and upgrade the facility, both inside and out. "Long term, expansion of the aerobics footprint along with upgraded equipment, continuing to improve weight training space and equipment, and of course continuing to invest in the pools and hot pools are priorities for me."

Renee Gilbertson and family moved to Steamboat from Jacksonville, Fla., full- time, last summer. She and her family have been coming to Old Town Hot Springs for the past eight years. Renee has 28 years of experience in the Healthcare, Wellness, and Sports medicine industry. She has served on several boards and councils related to health and fitness in Florida. Her goal is to share and communicate some of the more progressive standards that are occurring in the fitness industry, keeping the Old Town Hot Springs state-of-the-art. She wants to build more community awareness on what an amazing gift the natural mineral waters are to Steamboat and Routt County, and how to continue to complement the resource of water and fitness.

Renee's husband, Todd, started Saddle Ridge Development west of town. They have two boys who attend the Christian Heritage School. They are involved in the Winter Sports Club and soccer, and are also on the swim team.

Ralph Cantafio is a Steamboat attorney, who has lived in town since 1986. He is looking forward to his time on the board. "I felt that after being a member at the Old Town Hot Springs for more than 20 years, it's time to give back to an institution I feel very strongly about."

May/June Lap Pool Schedule

Before heading to the pool for your lap swim, please check the monthly schedule online, at www.OldTownHotSprings.org. Through the aquatics office scheduling, many user groups are utilizing the lap pool and deep end on a daily basis. These groups include swim lessons, Masters swim sessions, county-wide school groups, swim team, kayakers and scuba training. Here is the May and June schedule:

Lap Lane Availability in MAY
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
5:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. / Lanes 1-8
12:00-1:15 p.m. / Lanes 1-4 (Tuesday/Thursday Only)
3:30-5:15 p.m. / No Lanes
5:15-6:30 p.m./ Lanes 4-5 (Monday Only)
5:15-6:30 p.m. / Lanes 5-8 (Tuesday through Friday)
6:30-7:00 p.m. / Lanes 1-8
7:00-9:45 p.m. / Lanes 3-8

SATURDAY
7:00-8:45 a.m. / Lanes 1-8
8:45 a.m.-11:00 p.m. / Lanes 1-3
11:00-6:00 p.m. / Lanes 1-8
6:00-8:45 p.m / Lanes 3-8

SUNDAY
8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. / Lanes 1-8
6:00-8:00 p.m. / Lanes 3-8

Lap Lane Availability in JUNE (Subject to Modification)
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
5:30-7:30 a.m. / Lanes 1-8
7:30-10:00 a.m. / No Lanes
10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. / At least three lanes

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: At least three lanes throughout the day.

Note: Four lanes will be available during special events on June 9 and June 30 (6-9:00 p.m.).

Stephanie Orozco (on the left) is the new Child Care Manager at the Old Town Hot Springs. Stephanie is a mother of two, a Lifetime Member, and long-time worker in the child care center. Before that, she helped with the landscaping at the OTHS. Stephanie has also taught skiing, and coached at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. "It's the perfect job for me. I've always loved working with children."

Stephanie adds that the child care center is terrific. "It's a great group of women and we all have kids." She replaces Jeannie Jo Logan (on the right) who has run the child care for five years.

Keep an eye on the website at www.OldTownHotSprings.org for more exciting events this summer. They include:

   •  My Man & Me Luau Night, Sunday, June 28. This event is for girls 13 and younger, and their special guy. Dads, Grandpas, or Uncles are welcome to accompany their special gal for this exciting date night at the pool.

   •  Mom & Me Luau Night, Sunday, August 16. This event is for boys 13 and younger and their moms. If Mom is not available, grandmas and aunts are welcome.

   •  Singles Night at the Old Town Hot Springs Beach, Saturday, August 8.

   •  Couples Night at the Old Town Hot Springs Beach, Sunday, August 9.

   •  Steamboat's Got Talent, June 24, July 15, and August 19.

   •  The Snack Bar re-opens May 18.

   •  The waterslides will be open daily, 12:00-6:00 p.m., beginning Saturday, June 6, through Labor Day. They are also open Memorial Day weekend.

Details on these events and more will be available in the upcoming monthly newsletters.