Friday, May 9, 2025
There’s master’s swim for the early risers and swim lessons for the first timers.
Swim teams for the future Olympians and triathlon training for all the seasons.
Safety courses for the first responders and aerobics classes for the workout conquerors.
At Milwaukee Recreation’s pools, everything is available for all community members across the city. Hear from our staff, instructors, and participants below, and dive in today!
Sabley Sabin, participant: “I’ve lived in Milwaukee for 40-some years, so I’m really proud that we have such an extensive, well-though-out, vast array of classes for the littles and the oldies. I just think it is exciting when the [guide] comes out and I look at every page. I’m always talking to everybody [and saying] ‘you should take rec classes.’ They’re affordable. The teachers are really well-trained. They’re fun.”
Luke Chojnacki, aquatics supervisor: “Milwaukee Recreation is a great way to experience and share the things you enjoy, to learn and explore new things, and to get involved with your community.”
Nancy Zaborowski, instructor: “As a recent retiree and a senior citizen, [working for Milwaukee Recreation] is a way for me to give back to my community, and I hope other seniors feel the same. I have a lot of passion for swimming with everyone possible.”
Linda Bacelis-Bush, instructor: “Milwaukee Recreation has so many offerings, basically it’s the Milwaukee community sharing their skills with each other. I love that part of it. I love that we have so many offerings that fit a diverse community. To be able to include people and make [programs] accessible is so important, I love seeing the impact of that.”
Milwaukee Recreation offers a variety of aqua fitness courses throughout the year, providing adults of all ages and skill levels with opportunities to find safe, new, and engaging ways to stay active.
Sabin: “The [aqua bootcamp] class in particular, I love the rigor of it. I wanted to take aqua bootcamp ever since I saw it in the [guide], but I didn’t know anybody who was taking it. I just wasn’t confident.
“But then I started taking cardio splash at Gaenslen, and my buddy from that class, Kathy, said ‘oh, you have to come to this class.’ It is exactly the kind of rigor and camaraderie and cheerleading and strength training that I really love, and as I age in the pool, it is the best way for me to get that.”
Katharine Loveland, participant: “Just to be able to get in here and do it, and keep the muscles going so I can pick up my grandchildren, play with my grandchildren, and stay healthy. I really believe this water aerobics cures all ills.”
Milwaukee Recreation is also home to essential swim lessons and water safety courses. These opportunities provide critical moments for community members to develop confidence and life-saving knowledge.
Elyse Escobedo, aquatics supervisor: “When the kiddos first come [to our swim lessons], they are very timid and shy. Throughout the weeks, after they get to see the small groups, our swim teachers who are in the water helping them, encouraging them, supporting them, they open up, little by little.”
Bacelis-Bush: “It is imperative that all kids throughout our city go through some programs on the basics of water. It is critical for their safety.”
Loveland: “[Milwaukee Recreation] is just a wonderful community-builder, and its affordable.”