As the temperatures soar in the desert, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center emerges as the ultimate destination for those seeking solace in the water. Operated by the YMCA of the Desert since 2011, this facility has become a beloved community hub, offering a wide range of aquatic activities and experiences for all ages.
Manager David Keyes, a dedicated member of the center since its inception, proudly emphasizes its inclusivity. “Our patrons range in age from six months to a remarkable 93-year-old gentleman who participates in water exercise,” he revealed in an interview with Desert Magazine.
The Aquatic Center has thoughtfully tailored its schedule to cater to different age groups and interests throughout the day and year. During the spring session, the focus is on fitness, swim lessons, and classes. Early risers can enjoy invigorating lap swimming sessions as the pools open early, while seniors looking to maintain their well-being can join water exercise classes at 9:30 am. Lunchtime brings additional opportunities for fitness-oriented lap swimming before school gets out, making way for swim clubs, water polo, and recreational swim teams to make a splash. Swim lessons are also available in the afternoons, catering to those eager to learn. On weekends, recreational swimming is open to all.
When summer arrives, the Aquatic Center transforms into a haven of refreshing fun. Keyes proudly highlights their commitment to keeping the pools at a pleasant 81 degrees, offering respite from the scorching valley sun. The recreational pools feature zero-depth entries designed with family enjoyment in mind. Families can delight in the recreational zone, complete with slides and a splash playground featuring a water wheel. Notably, the center’s diving boards are open to the general public for recreational use, a rarity in California.
Exciting additions are on the horizon for the center this summer. Keyes enthusiastically shared, “We just installed a rock wall and a small zip line. We’re adding a five-meter rock wall for older kids, complete with a bell at the top, and a small zip line that will extend onto the pool deck.”
While the prospect of kids zip-lining into a pool may elicit mixed emotions depending on one’s age, safety remains paramount at the Aquatic Center. To ensure a secure environment, individuals under the age of 18 must undergo a swim test, demonstrating their comfort and confidence in the water before accessing the deeper pools.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic posed challenges for this community aquatic hub, including staffing struggles. Before COVID-19, the center offered recreational swimming seven days a week and hosted events like Dive in Movies throughout the year. However, a shortage of lifeguards has hampered the resumption of such activities.
“To have those types of events, we need more lifeguards, so we’re actively seeking new hires,” Keyes explained, underscoring the center’s commitment to prioritizing safety. He acknowledged that many young individuals aged 16 to 22, who would typically be interested in lifeguarding, have different priorities following two years of isolation. Nevertheless, the Aquatic Center remains an excellent option for those seeking certification, offering training, employment opportunities, and competitive pay.
Keyes takes pride in the fact that the center not only fosters aquatic skills but also contributes to the community’s preparedness in emergency situations. Numerous individuals who began their journey at the center as children, attending swim lessons, have gone on to become lifeguards, further strengthening the pool of residents trained to respond during crises.
Despite the challenges of the past year, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center continues to thrive. In fact, Keyes shared that it hosted its largest swim class in history last year. The success of the center can be attributed to its ideal location, spacious facilities, and, above all, its dedicated and cheerful staff.
As the desert heat intensifies, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center stands tall as the ultimate retreat, offering a cool respite and a world of aquatic adventures for the entire community.
