Officials with the Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center announce a new partnership with the Woodson YMCA to strengthen training, expand programming and enhance overall pool safety for the community.
“Partnering with the Woodson YMCA ensures that our pool remains safe, efficient and well-supported for years to come,” said Rudy Rudeen, aquatics director. “We’re excited to bring additional resources and expertise to our community, making the aquatic center simply safer and better for everyone.”
In 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, which oversees aquatic centers, implemented stricter regulations that placed additional training and certification requirements on local facilities. For smaller community pools with limited staffing, these mandates created challenges in maintaining ongoing in-service training and lifeguard certification renewals, resulting in a shortage of available lifeguards.
Recognizing these challenges, the Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center has joined forces with the Woodson YMCA, which has extensive expertise and resources in aquatic training and operations.
Beginning this month, the YMCA will assist with lifeguard staffing, training and certification support at the aquatic center. The YMCA also maintains a robust team of trained and certified lifeguards, allowing them to assist the center with staffing and training support.
“This collaboration marks a new and exciting chapter for our aquatic center,” said Tarrie Beran, aquatic center president. “We look forward to offering more opportunities for recreation, training and community engagement. We will be able to expand program offerings and continue to make it affordable for all so everyone can enjoy and benefit from this gem.”
Currently, the pool offers open swimming for general recreation multiple times six out of seven days a week.
“On weekends, we are the busiest with numbers ranging from 25 to over 100 swimmers,” Rudeen said. “During the weekdays those numbers are much lower.
“We also offer a great birthday party package that gives people a spacious room to host their guests and access the aquatic area for play.”
The Wittenberg Area Swim Program practices in the winter and summer months for those who like to swim competitively or simply train to improve their skills.
“All residents and non-residents are welcome with daily, monthly and annual rates available,” Rudeen said.
The Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center board and committee will continue to oversee and approve all decisions regarding activities, schedules and fees as this partnership develops.
The pool is located at 400 W. Grand Ave. and is part of the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School complex.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
