In just over a week, the Steinbach Aquatic Centre will start making waves as it shifts into "summer mode."
Jane Hansen, manager of the centre, says the outdoor pool will open for the weekend starting June 21, followed by the launch of the full summer schedule on June 28.
After that, the outdoor pool will remain open until the Labour Day long weekend.
Otherwise, Hansen says the facility’s programming remains largely status quo.
Steinbach Aquatic Centre summer scheduling
"There are public swims going on all the time. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., 7p.m. to 9 p.m., (including) indoor, outdoor, or mix and match," Hansen says.
"Holidays and weekends we're open 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m."
Lap swims, aquacise, and weekend rentals are also a part of the lineup.
Hansen adds swimming lessons are another key thing to watch as the season gets underway.
What to know about swimming lessons
"June 24 is our resident registration that starts at 8 a.m., and June 25 is our open registration. Then on (June) the 26, we have private registration which is by phone only," Hansen says.
There has been growing interest in lessons she notes, with 5,426 students given swimming instruction throughout 2024.
She says preschool and early swimmer levels are the most popular, and encourages those who miss out on registering to jump on the waitlist.
"If we notice that we've got a spot where we require more, we'll try to accommodate and switch things around as much as we can," she says.
Already, the centre has added another lesson block, with more instructors assigned to each session.
For more information on the Steinbach Aquatic Centre's 2025 swimming lessons, go to steinbach.ca.
A peek behind the scenes of summer preparations
Hansen says the Steinbach Aquatic Centre comes up with a yearly schedule about a year in advance.
"So, all of the 2026 important dates are already scheduled and in place," she says.
Staff are always, not just in summer, ensuring the facility is maintained from its water to the actual building, she says.
"We have health inspectors come out to give us a permit so that we can operate the facilities, and all that has to be done prior to the outdoor facility opening."
Because of this, maintenance staff are hard at work on the outdoor pool as soon as the weather cooperates.
Hiring is another key component of prep, and staffing needs shift depending on how many lessons are offered.
The centre holds major recruitment pushes in April and October, she says, helping ensure the summer season is well-staffed and well-swum.
She thanks staff for all they do to keep Steinbach Aquatic Centre afloat.
"I can't say enough about the staff here. They are amazing, and they're what makes this whole place tick."