Swimming Pool Information

Huntsman Clubhouse and pool.

Pool Opening Information

As of Monday, May 26th, both pools will be open 7 days a week.

Please note: As we start the swimming season, we will be working on an abbreviated schedule (weekdays) until all of our lifeguards are out of college and high school. Please feel free to call the Hethwood office if you have questions-552-5252. Thanks!

Normal Pool Hours

Huntsman: 12 noon - 8 PM.
Briarwood: 11 AM - 6 PM. (Lap swim M-Th, 6PM to 7PM)

Pool Pin Registration

Pool pin registration will take place at the Huntsman clubhouse, on the evenings of May 13th and May 14th, from 5:30 – 8:00 PM. We ask that you please pick up pins for your children at the Huntsman clubhouse during evening hours when we have extra staff available to handle several people at a time. This will hopefully ensure that you do not have any unnecessary wait. This will also allow for the Hethwood staff to accomplish their daily responsibilities during the normal business hours.

Please note that Hethwood dues must be paid prior to being issued pool pins.

Who needs a pool pin? Children under 16 years old without a picture ID must have a pool pin to enter the pool. Adults and persons 16 years (when you get a picture ID) and older are required to show a picture ID when entering the pool gate. Initial pool pins are free; however, a replacement pin is $2.00 and is nonrefundable.

Safety Rules for Children

All children and babies must wear a bathing suit. All diapered babies must either wear fitted diapers and plastic pants, or swim diapers. Many public pools are requiring swim diapers for diaper-aged children. Properly fitted swim diapers can help reduce the risk of spreading dangerous waterborne illnesses.
Children under 4 yrs. may use the kiddie pool only when accompanied and supervised by an adult.
No child under the age of 10 yrs. will be permitted entry to the pool area without direct supervision by an adult or guardian (must be at least 16 yrs. old).
Children, ages 10 yrs. and 11 yrs., may come to the pool unaccompanied by an adult if they pass the swim test ( must be able to swim 25 meters with good form and tread water for 3 minutes) and have written permission from their parent. A lifeguard must give this swim test and has the appropriate form for the parent to sign.

Guest Passes

Guest fees are $2.00 per person per day and are paid at the gate as you enter the pool. Children under 2 years of age are admitted free. Half-price discount passes may be obtained for out-of-town-guests staying seven or more days. Half-price discount requests/passes are issued at the Hethwood office. Residents must accompany their guests.

Transfer of Privileges

Homeowners, if you have renters and you wish them to have the use of your recreation privileges you may forfeit your privileges to the renters residing in your home. The property owner must sign and complete a Transfer of Privileges form. Please contact the Hethwood office to obtain a form or for more information.

Telephones

The lifeguard telephones located at the pools are reserved for emergency and staff/business use. Pay phones are conveniently located at each pool for residents to make personal phone calls.

Huntsman pay phone # 951-9848, Briarwood pay phone # 951-9874.

Swim Lesson Registration Information

All swim lessons will be held at the Huntsman pool. Registration in the form of payment, will only be accepted at the Hethwood office (100-H Foxridge). No registration will be taken over the phone or at the pool. Fees for residents are $25 per person and $30 per person for non-residents. If your child completes the requirements for the course, you may purchase a Red Cross card for an additional $10.00

Hethwood Swimming Lesson Registration. Registration for residents only, begins Wednesday, June 4th through Friday, June 6th. Registration for non-residents will begin on Monday, June 9th. For more information, call the Hethwood Foundation office at 552-5252. Anyone participating in Hethwood swim lessons must sign a Hethwood Foundation Activity Form. Parent must sign for their minor children.

Cancellation Policy. One half of the fee will be refunded if the cancellation notice is made at least 48 hours prior to the first swimming class and the student's slot can be filled.

Hethwood uses American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim courses to teach aquatic and safety skills in a logical progression. We use Water Safety Instructors specifically trained in Red Cross swimming instruction. The materials is composed of six levels. Below are descriptions of the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program. Instructors will make adjustments the first day of class if children are misplaced and if there is room in a different level class. Please make every effort to place your child correctly. Classes have a minimum of 6 participants.

Schedule of Swim Classes

Class descriptions follow this schedule.

Session 4: July 21 - August 1
10:00 - 10:30am: Level 5
10:00 - 10:45am: Level 6
10:30 - 11:00am: Level 2, 4
11:00 - 11:30am: Level 1, 3
11:30 - 12:00noon: Parent & Child Aquatics

Session 5: August 4 - August 8
10:00 - 11:00am: Level 2, 4, 6 (Five one hour lessons)
11:00 - 12:00noon: Level 3, 5 (Five one hour lessons)
11:00 - 11:45am: Level 1 (Five 45 min. lessons)

Private lessons will be available during pool hours. For more details or to schedule private lessons, please contact the Hethwood office @ 552-5252

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Class

This class will start August 4 at Hethwood pools. $175.

Swim Class Cancellation Policy: One half of the fee will be refunded if cancellation notice is made at least 48 hours prior to the first swimming class and the student's slot is filled.

Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, please plan on coming to class. We will have videos and other swim lesson instructions provided by the American Red Cross that will be of benefit to your children.

Evening Water Aerobics

Join us at the Briarwood pool for water aerobics. This class is designed to give individuals (at various fitness levels) a great workout while having fun! Exercising in the water is also a lot easier on our joints than exercising on land. The class will last 45 minutes to 1 hour. We will start out with a light warm up with stretching and then move into our cardiovascular portion. The goal is to get your heart rate up. We will monitor our progress throughout this portion. Next we will do some strength training exercises using the water as resistance and then there will be an abdominal workout using boards or noodles for support. Lastly, we will do a cool down, flexibility and relaxation portion. Registration, payment, and a signed Hethwood Activity Form should be completed at the Hethwood office (100-H Foxridge Apts.). This year we will be using tickets for your entrance to the class. These can be obtained when you register and must be presented at each class. Multiple tickets may be purchased. Please stop by the Hethwood office for a free one time resident pass to try out the class!

Class Dates: August 5th, 7th, 12th , 14th (rain make-up 14th) 19th, 21st, 26th, & 28th

Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Cost: $3.00 each class for Hethwood residents/$4.00 for non-residents.

Location: Briarwood Pool

Swim Lesson Class Descriptions

Parent and Child Aquatics: Level A and B (ages 18 months - 4 years). To develop in young children a high comfort level in and around the water and build a foundation of basic skills. This course does not teach children to be accomplished swimmers or to survive in water. Course objectives are to help participants feel comfortable in the water. Prerequisite: Parent is required in water. The course content includes holding positions, water exit and entry, bubble blowing, exploring buoyancy, changing body positions in the water, front and back kicking, floats, glides, arm movements, underwater exploration, rolling over, and the use of life jackets. Instructors will divide the class into level A or B at the first session depending on the child's readiness. Please note, all diapered babies must either wear fitted diapers and plastic pants, or swim diapers.

Level I - Introduction to Water Skills: For those that have no swimming skills. These course objectives are to help participants feel comfortable in the water. Prerequisite : None. Course content includes supported floating and kicking on front and back, alternate arm action, water safety rules, how to get help in an emergency, reaching assists without equipment, and fundamentals of using a life jacket. Child must be 4 years of age by the first lesson.

Level II - Fundamental Aquatic Skills: To build on the fundamental aquatic locomotion, safety and skill presented in Level 1. Prerequisites : A Learn-to-Swim Level I certificate or demonstrated competency in Level 1 skills. The course content includes floating and kicking on front and back without support, rhythmic breathing, combined strokes on front and back, turning over front to back and back to front, reaching and extension assists, and personal water safety. Child must be 4 years of age by the first lesson.

Level III - Stroke Development: To build on the aquatic locomotion, safety and rescue skills presented in Level II by providing participants with additional guided practice. Prerequisites : A Learn-to-Swim Level II certificate or demonstrated competency in Level II skills. The course content includes the coordination of the front and back crawl, the introduction of butterfly, jumping into deep water with a life jacket, diving from side of pool, treading water and self rescue skills. Child needs to be comfortable in water that is 3 to 5 feet deep. Child must be 5 years of age by the first lesson.

Level IV - Stroke Improvement: To develop confidence and competency in crawl and back crawl beyond proceeding levels, build on butterfly, and to introduce elementary backstroke, breaststroke and the elements of sidestroke. Prerequisites : A Learn-to-Swim Level III certificate or demonstrated competency in Level III skills. The course content includes deep-water bobbing, treading water, dives from the side of the pool, elementary backstroke, breastroke, sidestroke, turns at the wall and personal safety rules.

Level V - Stroke Refinement: To continue refinement of all strokes (front crawl, back crawl, butterfly, elementary backstroke, breastroke, and sidestroke) and increase their distances. Prerequisites : A Learn-to-Swim IV certification or demonstrated competency in Level IV skills. The course content includes alternate breathing, swimming underwater, open turns on front and back, flip turns, diving safety, survival swimming and rescue breathing.

Level VI - Swimming and Skill Proficiency: To polish strokes presented in previous levels, swim them with greater ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances and to introduce surface dives and additional turns. Prerequisites : A Learn-to-Swim Level V certification or demonstrated competency in Level V skills. The course content includes approach and hurdle on diving board, tuck and pike surface dives, alternative kicks for treading water, throwing rescues, turning spinal injury victims face up and the approach stroke. This is also the time to introduce other aquatic activities. Level VI is designed with "menu" options - Personal Water Safety, Fundamentals of Diving, Fitness Swimmer, and Lifeguard Readiness. Each of these options focus on preparing students to participate in more advanced courses, such as Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training, or other aquatic activities, such a competative swimming and diving. Instructors will discuss "menu" options and student goals at the first class.

Lifeguard Training - Prerequisite: Must be 15 years of age and up. Must be able to pass pretest swimming practical and demonstrate 500 yard swim, confidence/knowledge of individual swimming ability, shallow dive, dive 9 feet, underwater swim and tread water for one minute. Course Objective: To learn and effectively utilize the skills and knowledge an individual requires to properly assume the lifeguarding responsibilities at a swimming pool, water park, or protected (non-surf) open water beach. CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications are included in the course. (Fee and date - TBA) Please call the Hethwood office (552-5252) if you are interested and a class may be formed.

Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations

Hethwood has two great swimming pools for your enjoyment.
Huntsman Pool, 2631 Sheffield Drive, 552-2558
Briarwood Pool, 2210 Tall Oaks Drive, 951-0237

1. POOL HOURS

Briarwood Pool, 11 am - 6 pm
Huntsman Pool, 12 noon - 8 pm

2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT AND RESIDENTS

All persons using the pool or pool area do so at their own risk and sole responsibility. The management assumes no responsibility for any accident or injury in connection with such use. Persons using the pool covenant and agree with the owner or management to make no claim against the owner or management for, or on account of, loss of life or personal injury or damage to or loss of personal property.

3. IDENTIFICATION

All adult residents are to show a picture identification card when entering the pool area. It is our policy to ask every adult for proper identification, even if we know you. This is done to establish residency, treat everyone equally, and satisfy fair housing requirements. Adults, please have your ID ready when being admitted to the swimming pool. Children or (adults in certain circumstances) not having a picture ID, will be issued a pool pin by the Hethwood office. Pins are to be worn at all times upon entering the pool area. Initial pins are free; however, replacement pins (nonrefundable) may be purchased for $2.00.

4. GUESTS

All guests must be accompanied and registered by a resident. Residents will be allowed to entertain up to three guests on any one day. Conduct of the guest is the direct responsibility of the resident. Guests are subject to the rules that apply to residents. Guest fees are $2.00 and are paid at the pool gate. Children under 2 years are free. Half price discount guest passes may be obtained at the Hethwood Foundation office for out-of-town house guests staying for seven or more days. This pass will allow the out-of-town guest admission for one-half the normal guest fee. Residents planning a gathering of more than 4 guests, please contact the Hethwood office 72 hours in advance, so that we may plan and provide adequate staff.

5. PRIVILEGES

If a resident is delinquent in the payment of rent, late fees, damages, or dues, pool privileges will be suspended. Residents that are not current may not use the facilities or be a guest under any circumstances.

6. POOL SUPERVISION

The pool will be in the charge of a qualified head lifeguard who will be under the direct supervision of the management. The pool staff has the authority to suspend any resident's swimming privileges due to rule, regulation or policy violation. (The suspension period may vary with the severity of the violation).

7. SAFETY RULES FOR CHILDREN

All children and babies must wear a bathing suit. All diapered babies must either wear fitted diapers and plastic pants, or swim diapers. Many public pools are requiring swim diapers for diaper-aged children. Properly fitted swim diapers can help reduce the risk of spreading dangerous waterborne illnesses.
Children under 4 yrs. may use the kiddie pool only when accompanied and supervised by an adult.
No child under the age of 10 yrs. will be permitted entry to the pool area without direct supervision by an adult or guardian (must be at least 16 yrs. old).
Children, ages 10 yrs. and 11 yrs., may come to the pool unaccompanied by an adult if they pass the swim test ( must be able to swim 25 meters with good form and tread water for 3 minutes) and have written permission from their parent. A lifeguard must give this swim test and has the appropriate form for the parent to sign.

8. UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY

Swimming is permitted only when the pool is open. Violators will face disciplinary action by management.

9. PROPERTY DAMAGE

The cost of any property damage will be charged to the responsible party. Management cannot be responsible for loss or damage of any kind.

10. USE OF LIFE PRESERVERS, ETC.

Artificial flotation devices (water wings, inner tubes, etc.) may not be used at any time. U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices (PFD'S) may be approved, by consulting with a lifeguard. Floatation swimsuits may be used only if the brand is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

11. CLOSING OF THE POOL

The pool may be closed at any time due to weather, breakdown, or other operational difficulties.

12. DIVING RULES (where applicable)

Only one person may be on the diving board at a time. Diving is ONLY permitted straight away from the board. No specialty dives. No diving toward the walls will be permitted. Upon completion of the dive, swim to the nearest ladder. Do not swim under the boards. In the interest of the majority, and at the sole discretion of the lifeguards, the diving board (s) may be closed. This equipment is strictly for use at your own risk.

13. FOOD AND BEVERAGES AND THEIR CONTAINERS

No intoxicants may be brought into the pool area. No food or drink will be consumed in the immediate apron portions of the pool area. Trash, cigarettes, and refuse must be placed in the receptacles provided. No glass or other breakable objects will be allowed. Coolers may be checked for contents of glass or intoxicants. Smoking is not permitted inside the fenced area of the pool. Ashtrays will be provided outside of the area for your convenience.

14. RULES CONCERNING HEALTH

Admission will be denied anyone with skin abrasions, colds, coughs, inflamed eyes, infection or anyone wearing bandages. Residents should impose this responsibility themselves, but if in doubt, consult the lifeguards.

15. DRESS

All swimmers must wear appropriate swimming attire. Robes or other suitable garments should be worn to and from the pool. Dripping bathing suits in the building areas must be avoided! Cut-off shorts and other street apparel will not be allowed in the pool! Swimmers must wear fully opaque coverings (refer to Town of Blacksburg Code Section 14-108). Thongs are prohibited.

16. RESTROOMS

Restrooms will be open during pool operation.

17. PETS

Pets are not allowed in the pool area. Pets may not be tied to trees, fences, or other structures in the Hethwood common area outside of the pool.

18. WHEELED RECREATION VEHICLES

Wheeled recreation vehicles will not be allowed in the pool area. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted.

19. PHONES

The telephones located at the pools are reserved for emergency and staff business use. Pay phones are conveniently located in the clubhouse hallway at each pool, for residents to make personal phone calls.
Huntsman Pay Phone number is 951-9848.
Briarwood Pay Phone number is 951-9874.

20. REVISION OF RULES

These rules may be revised or additional rules established at any time. Please ask office or lifeguards for a listing of additional pool policies and basic lifeguard guidelines. Questions regarding conduct or pool rules should be addressed to the Head Lifeguard or Management.