By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Normally home to Youngstown State University’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, the Beeghly Natatorium hosts this semester’s Open Swim.
The natatorium is located on the main floor of the Beeghly Center in room 226. Since 2018, the Open Swim program has been conducted by the YSU Athletic Department.
Open Swim is hosted from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Matt Rollins, assistant athletic director for facilities, said Open Swim offers members of the YSU community with a valid YSU identification card the option to swim in the natatorium for free.
“Open swim is open to all current faculty, staff, and students with a valid Y Card,” Rollins said. “This program gives them the opportunity to swim for free throughout the semester.”
YSU students and faculty are allowed to take a maximum of four non-YSU students during their session. Though not necessary, it is recommended that the accompanying guests have prior swim experience.
Rollins said the program is open to all individuals of different swimming levels — beginner and intermediate.
“We have certified lifeguards [who are] YSU students at the pool during those hours to cover all levels of swimming capabilities,” Rollins said.
Students are advised that the deepest end of the pool is 16 feet deep, while the shallow end is roughly 5 feet.
Soma Albert, YSU swimmer and lifeguard at Beeghly Natatorium said he has friends who were unaware of the program and the facility.
“I have classmates who didn’t know, as sophomores and juniors, that we have a swimming pool,” Albert said. “They were really pleased to hear that we do. To come in and have the opportunity to swim here as a student, basically for free.”
Rollins said Open Swim gives members of the YSU community, who like swimming, the ability to socialize with others who share the same interests.
“The swimming community is large and diverse. Those who participate in Open Swim, typically love to be in the water and they are able to build connections with others who share the same passion,” Rollins said.
Albert also said that the program and facility serve as a space for friends to interact.
“It’s a good place to hang out. We have friends and friend groups coming in all the time. So, it’s a nice place,” Albert said.
Those interested in participating in Open Swim must present a student ID to the lifeguards on duty before swimming. There is no need to reserve a spot before attending.
Open Swim does not offer swimming lessons.