QUESTION: What do Stephanie Jung, an eight-time all-American athlete, Zuzana Benkova, a threetime Slovakian national champion, and Martina Meckova, a four-time Slovakian senior national title holder, have in common?
ANSWER: Easy, all three coach the Masters Swimming program at the YWCA!
What’s more, Peter Scott, the force behind Sea Hikers, has held three Canadian records in free diving.
We’re proud that some of the best swim coaches in the Metro Vancouver area call the YWCA Pool their home base, and the lifeguard team is equally impressive.
This summer, Head Lifeguard Jen Allan, along with lifeguards Stewart Scott and Hannah Kess, competed in the Bay Challenge, a 10 kilometre swim from West Vancouver to Kits Beach. In the relay category, we’re pleased to announce that Hannah placed first while Stewart placed third.
Of her first place win in the solo female category, Jen says:
"The YWCA has been great in helping me achieve one of my major goals – the 10K Bay Challenge. Support from staff and Health + Fitness members, and all the advice and encouragement, helped me stay positive and motivated."
"Our facility is unique since there aren’t the distractions you would find in other facilities. Being in a calm and clean environment made the quality of my training that much better.”
If you enjoy swimming laps as much as our lifeguards do, be sure to check out some of the exciting fall 2014 programming offered in the six-lane, uv-purified YWCA Health + Fitness pool.
Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring triathlete, our Sea Hiker programs offer something for everybody. Do you like drills? Our Masters program will not disappoint. More interested in private swim lessons? Book now to guarantee your spot this fall!
Pool Workout Facts
- Swimming 30 minutes at a vigorous pace burns 333 calories.
- Swimming freestyle for one hour is equivalent to a five mile run.
- Swimming boosts muscle strength because water provides 12 times more resistance than air.
Whether you’re a novice swimmer or an experienced athlete, the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre has a swim program for you! From private lessons to Masters, we can accommodate varying skill levels and goals. Please enquire with Member Services for details 604 895 5777. So what are you waiting for? Get wet, get fit and have fun!
