by Souzan Noaman, Administrative Assistant at GAFC

The Greenbelt Aquatic & Fitness Center (GAFC) offers a large variety of classes for all ages (birth-60+) throughout the year. We operate 365 days/year continuously with complete shift staff. With the very competitive daily admission rates and membership fees, patrons have access to the entire facility including the use of the indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness wing. Admission is open to Non-Greenbelt Residents all year except for weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Free lockers; hair dryers; and shower with daily admission.

Patrons can also purchase the following at the front desk: Hair and body shampoo, conditioner, googles, swim caps, locks, nose clips, ear plug, water bottles, mesh bags, 25 Anniversary bags, beach towels, cooling towels and wrist wraps available at an affordable price. And don’t forget to ask for a free swim diaper for your beloved youngsters.

SWIM LESSONS

GAFC offers the Aqua Tots I & II lessons (Ages: birth-4): Parents learn how to safely work with their child in the water, including how to appropriately support and hold their child in the water and how to prepare and encourage their child to participate fully and try and improve the skills. Children receive an introduction to basic skills that lay a foundation for learning to swim. In addition, parents are introduced to several water safety topics.

Preschool Beginner (Ages:3-5): This program is designed for young children who have not yet finished kindergarten but are able to perform independently, they learn to be comfortable in shallow and deep water and practice floating techniques and proper leg and arm movements for strokes.

Beginner I, II, III, Advanced Beginner and Intermediate (Ages: 5-15): Free Pre-Evaluation session will be held every season on Saturday of the registration week that starts on Monday for Greenbelt Residents and Wednesday for Non-Residents.  Parents will get a chance to meet our instructors and have their child’s skill evaluated to ensure appropriate placement. Sessions scheduled throughout the year for all skill levels. An assessment will be held on the last day of each session to evaluate student’s skills and provide suggestion for child’s improvement.

Adult Beginner and Intermediate Swim Lesson (Ages: 16+): From learning the skills and concepts needed to stay safe in and around water and basic strokes to improving proficiency and swimming strokes. Classes taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays evening.

Private Swim Lessons (Ages: Open):One-on-one lessons with a Swim Instructor. 30 minutes in length and structured according to the age and ability of the client. Private Swim Lesson Program is dependent upon availability of Swim Instructors.

WATER EXERCISE CLASSES (16+): morning, afternoon and evening classes offered on a daily bases, very easy to register or drop-in. Deep Water Aerobics is a non-impact class designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, helps to increase tone and definition of upper and lower body. Aquacize Emphasizes aerobics, stretching and toning exercises for swimmers and non-swimmers. Improve muscle tone while burning calories. Aqua Zumba Pool Party workout, splashing, stretching, twisting, shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during class.

SENIOR SWIM (Ages 60+): Water exercises that emphasize stretching, strengthening and toning exercises for swimmers and non-swimmers.

FIRST AID and LIFEGUARDING: GAFC is an authorized provider of The American Red Cross instructional First Aid/CPR/AED and Lifeguarding programs. Classes are led by American Red Cross certified instructors.

GAFC’S MOST POPULAR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

January New Year’s Resolution Swim

February President’s Day Coin Dive

March Sidewalk Art Contest

April Underwater Egg Hunt

May Water Safety Month & Mother’s Day Free Admission

June Bike To Work Day & Father’s Day Free Admission

July Family Fun Night

August Family Fun Night

September Aqua Zumba Pool Party & Pooch Plunge

October Pumpkin Olympics & Breast Cancer Awareness Sessions and Discount.

November Scarf, hat and glove drive

December Toys 4 Tots