Enfield Recreation Department
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News: Frequently Asked Programming Questions - Swim Lessons (UPDATED)

Date Published Author
9/13/2021 12:00:00 AM  Alison Alberghini, Recreation Manager 

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Indoor Swimming Lessons (UPDATED 3/16/22)

Question:
Are there any swimming lessons being offered during the 2021-2022 school year at the Enfield Annex Indoor Pool?
 
Answer: Currently we do not have any swim lessons scheduled for the 2021-2022 school year.  Offerings are dependent on staffing, as well as COVID-19 safety regulations/recommendations.
 
Staffing: COVID-19 impacted the ability to train folks to become lifeguards, because agencies like Red Cross, could not offer certification classes for over a year. The halt in lifeguard training moved an industry which was already short staffed, to a critical level. 
 
When Enfield Recreation was able to offer a lifeguarding class in May of 2021, we did, and were able to train 5 new guards for the Summer 2021 season.  We operated summer programming, outdoor lessons and open swim with a smaller than usual 12-person aquatics staff.  With the new school year starting, 75% of that staff went away to college and are not available to work. 
 
We are currently hiring for lifeguards and swim coaches, but as with most other industries, there is a shortage of people to fill these positions.  Certified and interested individuals can apply online at www.enfield-ct.gov/hr.
 
Recreation staff are committed to offer programs that residents want in a fun and safe environment.  We will continue our efforts to recruit and train staff for aquatics programs as well as monitor the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We cannot wait to see you back at the pool as soon as possible.