Local community opens lanes to base swimmers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing leadership at Aviano Air Base is leading the charge to ensure assigned Airmen, civilians and their families have the opportunity to get fit and stay fit.

The most recent initiative is a contract between the wing and the city of Aviano's public indoor pool allowing base military identification card holders to lap swim at no charge for nine months each fiscal year when the on-base outdoor pool is closed.

"I arrived here in the summer of 2007 and was informed about a long-term plan to build an indoor pool on base; however, the cost estimate was 6.5 million dollars and the project was a minimum of six years out," said Lt. Col. Craig Hess, 31st Mission Support Group deputy commander. "In an effort to afford base personnel and their families a great alternative solution for getting and staying in shape, we made contact with the Aviano Commune and the director of the pool in Aviano. Our talks with the director were successful and the ground work for a contract to allow U.S.-I.D. card holders to lap-swim at pre-designated uninterrupted time frames was drafted."

In late January 2008, a temporary contract went into affect for 90 days.

"It was initially done on a trial basis to see how many people would take advantage of this opportunity," said Colonel Hess. "We ended up typically getting more swimmers to take part in the indoor lap swimming sessions than we do on-base during the summer months, so the initial contract was extended through the end of fiscal year 2008 excluding the summer months when the on-base pool is open."

A new contract went into effect Oct. 1 for the next five fiscal years running October through May, and September.

"Swimming offers an incredible total body, low-impact, strength and aerobic workout. And with the new aerobics pool addition to the Aviano pool, the base is exploring options to hold a water aerobics class during the morning hours, as well as having the Health and Wellness Center hold some of their physical therapy sessions at the pool," said Colonel Hess. "The city of Aviano has once again come through in supporting the Airmen and families assigned here. This is just another great partnership the wing has with its neighboring communities."

In addition to the lap swim hours, the wing will also be able to conduct water survival training for pilots, and is currently working with Department of Defense Dependents Schools and the pool staff to hold a joint water safety course for children.

SWIMMING HOURS

Military I.D. card holders can lap swim uninterrupted Monday through Friday from 6-8 a.m. and during normal open-to-the-public hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The evening swim session is typically quite crowded while the mid-day session usually has open lanes. The pool will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 21 to Jan. 7.

LANE ETIQUETTE

Swimmers should abide by the following etiquette during lap-swim hours. Slower swimmers stay to the two outside lanes and faster swimmers stick to the middle three lanes. If there are two swimmers per lane, the lane is split right and left. If there are three or more swimmers in a lane, the swimmers will circle swim in a counter-clockwise direction.

SWIM GEAR

All swimmers must, at a minimum, wear flip flops or shower shoes, a swim cap, goggles and appropriate swim attire. Shirts are not authorized in the pool and competitive swim shorts are recommended; however, males are authorized to wear the Air Force's official physical training shorts during the morning lap swim hours. Females may wear either a one or two-piece swimsuit. It is also recommended that all swimmers wear a robe while at the pool. 

There are small post office box-sized lockers to put yours keys and a few other small items in, but not for clothing. Swimmers can bring a bag with a change of clothes or a hangar and leave it sitting in the locker room or carry it out with them to put near the lap swim area. Military members are encouraged to not leave their military uniforms unattended.

For more information on services provided at the indoor swimming pool in Aviano contact the 31st Force Support Squadron Dragon Fitness Center staff. The pool is located on Via E. di Colloredo, located on the left-hand side of the road as you pass through the Grey Mall traffic light in Aviano going toward the Mountain Highway.