Seabreeze Recreation Center Pool Policies

[JudyC]

I love water aerobics in the Villages. My primary center is Seabreeze. Seabreeze has a policy that you must get a ticket and wait outside the pool until 10 minutes before the class begins so that you do not disturb the open swimmers who are using the pool. While I think this policy is unfair- making up to 84 people wait outside while just a few people swim, I understand the rule and do abide by it. Some of the classes are very popular and people arrive by 8 am to make sure they can get in to the class. The attendant who passes out the tickets often does not get to the pool until 8:35 or later making people stand for up to 45 minutes in the hot sun to just get a ticket so they can go in at 8:50. The least the Seabreeze director could do is to have someone come out at 8:15 or even earlier so we can get a ticket and at least sit in the golf cart or car in some shade as opposed to broiling in the hot sun.

[joesin]

This is not the place to complain about that. Did you talk to the rec center Supervisor??

[vette]

I agree that you should speak first with the rec center super. If that doesn't resolve the issue call the Rec Dept in Lake Sumter and speak with someone there.

[JudyC]

Apparently the supervisor has been contacted several times. Nothing has changed.

[FMF Doc]

So you hand out tickets at 8:00 and then people start coming at 7:30.

[CFrance]

I love water aerobics in the Villages. My primary center is Seabreeze. Seabreeze has a policy that you must get a ticket and wait outside the pool until 10 minutes before the class begins so that you do not disturb the open swimmers who are using the pool. While I think this policy is unfair- making up to 84 people wait outside while just a few people swim, I understand the rule and do abide by it. Some of the classes are very popular and people arrive by 8 am to make sure they can get in to the class. The attendant who passes out the tickets often does not get to the pool until 8:35 or later making people stand for up to 45 minutes in the hot sun to just get a ticket so they can go in at 8:50. The least the Seabreeze director could do is to have someone come out at 8:15 or even earlier so we can get a ticket and at least sit in the golf cart or car in some shade as opposed to broiling in the hot sun.
That sounds like a great idea to me. Considering that some people can't stand for long periods of time, and the fact that the rec centers are open anyway, they could be encouraged to be a little more accommodating. Have you tried contacting someone at the rec center, or John Rohan?

BTW, I don't think it's unfair to the people swimming laps or pool walking to have their peace and quiet until their time is up. these things are scheduled by the rec centers, and just because one class might not be as popular as another, they should all be given the same weight.

[justjim]

I have no dog in this fight but no way I would stand in the hot Florida sun for 3o-40 minutes in order to do anything period! It's not only "nuts" but dangerous.

That said, a reasonable person would think this is a problem with a reasonable solution . If not, Find another alternative.

[CFrance]

I have no dog in this fight but no way I would stand in the hot Florida sun for 3o-40 minutes in order to do anything period! It's not only "nuts" but dangerous.

That said, a reasonable person would think this is a problem with a reasonable solution . If not, Find another alternative.
Even to play golf?:shrug:

[graciegirl]

I see people wating in a long line outside the sports pool all three times I go to Laurel Manor every week.

[rosygail]

I don't use the Seabreeze pool but it seems to me that they could give out the tickets INSIDE THE REC CENTER beginning at whatever time they choose. This gets the people inside in the nice cool shade. They can walk over to the pool when it's time for class!
Seems like a simple solution!

[sunnyatlast]

I love water aerobics in the Villages. My primary center is Seabreeze. Seabreeze has a policy.....
While I think this policy is unfair- making up to 84 people wait outside while just a few people swim, I understand the rule and do abide by it. Some of the classes are very popular and people arrive by 8 am to make sure they can get in to the class....


"Just a few" people are playing a particular hole of golf at any given time (4 max).

Should 84 golfers be allowed to tee off on Hole 1 while a foursome is playing Hole 2, because the 84 outnumber them????

This is how the sport of golf is played. And it is how the sport of swimming is swum in lanes.

And maybe some could stop and think about how often lap swimmers have to wait or find other sport pools to go to, to get a lane while a class of 84 is using the pool and then teams like water volleyball and other fitness classes are scheduled to come in after them, for hours.

[queasy27]

I don't use the Seabreeze pool but it seems to me that they could give out the tickets INSIDE THE REC CENTER beginning at whatever time they choose. This gets the people inside in the nice cool shade. They can walk over to the pool when it's time for class!
Seems like a simple solution!

I'm not seeing any downside in that but it's so obvious I feel like I must be missing something.

[JoMar]

Ah, here we go again......let's drag the volunteers or supervisors to work before they are supposed to be there to accommodate "me". If people show up early it's their choice to do that and if they elect to stand in the hot sun waiting for tickets it is their choice. If you choose not to do that then go do something else. But that's not The Villages way, we want others to accommodate us no matter how much it inconveniences them. Why anyone would volunteer at any of these rec centers is beyond me, the abuse they take is unbelievable. That's why they have difficulty getting volunteers.

[Bonny]

Seems to me if you can go in the pool at 8:50, then go at 8:35 to get your ticket, then there is only 15 minutes to wait.
Problem solved !!!:smiley:

[Uptown Girl]

I see people wating in a long line outside the sports pool all three times I go to Laurel Manor every week.

Lemme 'splain that, Gracie.
I attend water aerobics there on those 3 days. (Why you never waved to me? ) HA!

There are NO tickets passed out to get a place in class- there is room in the pool for everybody.
People can come as early as they want to, BUT aerobics participants are asked not to enter until open swim (lap swim) is over.
We oblige.
We CAN NOT enter the water or place our equipment along the pool edge until the lane bouys are retracted and set out of the way. (for insurance reasons)

Some ladies ( and a few husbands as well) choose to stand in line until it is time for us to enter. Some wait in their vehicles until the gate opens. Some arrive a few minutes before class begins. We all go through the gate in order to show our Village IDand be counted.
No big deal.

Now.... I do not live near Laurel Manor, I live nearer to Sea Breeze.
Why do I go to Laurel Manor? ( 4 years and counting)
OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTOR- Delores Rost
NO TICKETS
EASY PEASY

[Chatbrat]

Great Invention--"golf umbrella"

[justjim]

Even to play golf?:shrug:

Sorry, in my mind I was standing in line but that is not what my fingers did typing. Golfing in the Florida hot sun---a bit different as you get some shade in the golf cart and sometimes a shade tree---but still important to drink plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing including a hat. When really hot---9 holes is plenty. :smiley:

[Mudder]

If the instructor is excellent as the Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday one is at Seabreeze you would not receive a ticket if you show up at 8:35. There are 85 slots available so that's why people get there early to be sure you can get in the class.
I am a lap swimmer and also a water aerobics participant so I see it from both sides. As a lap swimmer I enjoy the quietness of people swimming. As a water aerobics participant I enjoy the chaos of the class..
This is really only an issue in the summer, when it's 45 degrees out in the winter our instructor still comes and leads the class, maybe only 12 participants but she's there and so are some of us.
There really are very few lap swimming time slots compared to all other pool activities. Many times these slots are early in morning or late in afternoon but we deal with it.
We are so lucky here to have many pool and activities to choose from, sometimes we may have to wait, etc...but it's always worth as far as I'm concerned.

[Halibut]

Is Seabreeze crowded all the time?

My wife and I went to Seabreeze once for water zumba. We didn't know about the tickets and didn't get there in time before they were gone. I can't stand unaided for more than 10 minutes or so, but even if I could I wouldn't be patient or interested enough to wait in line. Other classes, other times, other seasons abound.

[Bogie Shooter]

Apparently the supervisor has been contacted several times. Nothing has changed.

Apparently??

[rjm1cc]

Sounds like they need an automated ticket machine that can turn on at a given time and hand out x tickets.

[tomwed]

Seems to me if you can go in the pool at 8:50, then go at 8:35 to get your ticket, then there is only 15 minutes to wait.
Problem solved !!!:smiley:
i don't have a dog in this pool either,,,,but that solution is too easy

[Matzy]

Actually I can't see the problem. Classes and lap swim are in a regular schedule, if I want to attend a class at a specific time I do not have to look or even blame others, just make arrangements with the class leader.

[sunnyatlast]

Actually I can't see the problem. Classes and lap swim are in a regular schedule, if I want to attend a class at a specific time I do not have to look or even blame others, just make arrangements with the class leader.

So 84 people are supposed to "make arrangements" with the class instructor before every class that varies as to who participates and who doesn't?

I don't know what good could come from that.

[CFrance]

Seems to me if you can go in the pool at 8:50, then go at 8:35 to get your ticket, then there is only 15 minutes to wait.
Problem solved !!!:smiley:
Not really. As OP said, you have to get there at 8 in order to be included in the class.

We had a weight training class on Tues. & Thurs. at Miona that was so popular you had to show up an hour early. But least it was indoors and had chairs and tables.

[Greg Nelson]

I've never had a problem at Mulberry pool. There are plenty of swim lanes AND room for water aerobics...

[graciegirl]

Find another pool. There is shade at least at Laurel Manor.


When I attended indoor walking group at O'dell, you had to get there way early. If you didn't you didn't get in the class that day.


That is just how things are sometimes.


We can't have everything we want, the way we want it, sometimes.


Anywhere. Anytime. Anyhow.

[looneycat]

nobody makes you wait, you run to get there early to 'beat' other people who you will then blame for making you do it. get over it sleep a few extra minutes.

[CFrance]

Don't tell people to get over it. Not an answer.

Sleep a few extra minutes, and then go back home and change out of your bathing suit, because someone else will have taken your spot.

[kstew43]

overcrowded and the snow birds have gone home..... having to wait for a ticket for admission and then wait for the class to start.....

now thats living.....

not...

need more classes or less people.... but alas the TV is still getting bigger and bigger....

maybe.... should get a computerized sign up system like Golf.....?

[CFrance]

overcrowded and the snow birds have gone home..... having to wait for a ticket for admission and then wait for the class to start.....

now thats living.....

not...

need more classes or less people.... but alas the TV is still getting bigger and bigger....

maybe.... should get a computerized sign up system like Golf.....?

That's actually not a bad idea! it could be done easily, too, if someone in the rec department would recognize that there is a problem and a lot of people's time is being wasted having to arrive early to attend classes. I finally quit the weight training class I mentioned earlier because it was taking over two hours out of my day for a one-hour class. Moved over to MVP instead and swallowed the money factor.

The older I get, the more precious my time is to me.

[graciegirl]

That's actually not a bad idea! it could be done easily, too, if someone in the rec department would recognize that there is a problem and a lot of people's time is being wasted having to arrive early to attend classes. I finally quit the weight training class I mentioned earlier because it was taking over two hours out of my day for a one-hour class. Moved over to MVP instead and swallowed the money factor.

The older I get, the more precious my time is to me.



Money is the problem. If you add anything it costs somebody something.


I am one of the fiscally conservative group.

[kstew43]

we pay $145 per month, on top of the price of the home. The developer has the money......they just need to spend a little more.....

We left for this very reason, my time is valuable and the ticket system was not used back then. I used to have to show up an hour early and wait in line back in 07. Exercise classes, weight rooms and line dancing. Thats the reason we decided to leave and rent it out.

Now we don't have to wait in line or get there early. We are small but we have it all. Still Close enough to TV for the shopping, the nightly bands and the food.

We would like to return to TV to live someday, so get it together already....

[wudda1955]

I don't understand the problem. A friend and I go to these very same classes, and while we do have to get there early, we have never stood in line to get a ticket. We wait in the car. When the attendant gets there, we get out of the car, get our tickets and go back to the car until they start letting people in the gate. Unless it's a nice day, in which case we'll wait at the gate until they let us in. Easy.

What annoys me are those who don't bother waiting for a ticket and show up five minutes into the class. Last week we had three ladies show up late one day, just one on another day--and the class was at capacity. Although the instructor said something, she was in no position to ask them to leave. "Management" was nowhere to be found so nothing was said or done and, in each instance, they stayed. Just show up late and walk in. Apparently, that's perfectly acceptable and an option I've considered myself. That way I could sleep in a little later in the morning! :-)

[Mudder]

One day last week at Seabreeze some people walked in late and the ticket guy was there to start the music. He politely explained the procedure to them, they got out of the pool and left. They actually thanked him for explaining it all to them. I resent those who show up late and just walk in, even if the instructor says something in a nice way, they look around as if it's not them she's talking to. It's rude to instructor and rude to participants to show up late, also rude to leave class early so you can get to your towel in a hurry. I don't mind waiting in line indoors or out. I use the time to think, mediate, stretch or chat with new friends. Relax, the journey is part of the experience!

[redwitch]

Why not just bring a folding chair to sit in while waiting? Seems like a reasonable action so long as the chair is put away immediately.

It seems that having to arrive early is the norm for popular events almost everywhere. TV is not the exception. It is just harder on some folks here than in the general populance.

[CFrance]

Money is the problem. If you add anything it costs somebody something.


I am one of the fiscally conservative group.
I think it would cost very little to set that up, Gracie.

[CFrance]

I don't understand the problem. A friend and I go to these very same classes, and while we do have to get there early, we have never stood in line to get a ticket. We wait in the car. When the attendant gets there, we get out of the car, get our tickets and go back to the car until they start letting people in the gate. Unless it's a nice day, in which case we'll wait at the gate until they let us in. Easy.

What annoys me are those who don't bother waiting for a ticket and show up five minutes into the class. Last week we had three ladies show up late one day, just one on another day--and the class was at capacity. Although the instructor said something, she was in no position to ask them to leave. "Management" was nowhere to be found so nothing was said or done and, in each instance, they stayed. Just show up late and walk in. Apparently, that's perfectly acceptable and an option I've considered myself. That way I could sleep in a little later in the morning! :-)
It's not perfectly acceptable. That's an instructor problem. When our weight class was full, the instructors put a sign on the door stating they were at capacity. If anyone ignored the sign and came in anyway, they were politely but firmly told they could not stay. Your instructor needs to step up and enforce the rules he/she is working under. There are regulations for capacities of rooms and pools, and the rec center could get in trouble for breaking them. If it's really a problem, you should take this matter to the people in charge.

[looneycat]

Don't tell people to get over it. Not an answer.

Sleep a few extra minutes, and then go back home and change out of your bathing suit, because someone else will have taken your spot.

so I was right, anyway, the answer is add another class...obviously theres enough demand to create a large voice.

[wudda1955]

That's an instructor problem. When our weight class was full, the instructors put a sign on the door stating they were at capacity. If anyone ignored the sign and came in anyway, they were politely but firmly told they could not stay. Your instructor needs to step up and enforce the rules he/she is working under.

By whom? The instructor was in the pool in the middle of teaching a class. She was the only one there. She looked around for help, but there was no one else. The "helper" (or whatever they're called), turned on the music and left. That's a REC CENTER problem, and not the volunteer instructor.

There may be enough interest in another class, but they're all taught by volunteers. Maybe the problem is that we need more experienced volunteers.

[CFrance]

By whom? The instructor was in the pool in the middle of teaching a class. She was the only one there. She looked around for help, but there was no one else. The "helper" (or whatever they're called), turned on the music and left. That's a REC CENTER problem, and not the volunteer instructor.

There may be enough interest in another class, but they're all taught by volunteers. Maybe the problem is that we need more experienced volunteers.
The instructor brings a sign and hangs it on the gate when the class has reached its full number. Anyone coming in after the class has started and the sign is up is told the class is full. If those people are arrogant enough to ignore this, I'm sure their names could be taken (you have to show your ID, after all) and turned in. It would only take a couple of times to fix this.

The instructor in our weight training class pulled this off with aplomb. The aerobics instructor needs to take charge if the rec center is not going to do it for her. But enough people complaining to the rec center, or John Rohan if the rec center won't do anything, should engender some action.

In the rec center rooms, it's an issue of fire regs. Is there any capacity reg for the pools? If there is, perhaps going to the regulator with the problem would work.

[Topspinmo]

maybe the problem is over crowding in the south? Maybe the volunteer instructor a good one and lots want attend his or her class? Maybe the volunteer instructor thinks he or she there to do the class and not parole school kids. Maybe the volunteer instructor doing enough and wants so free time of his or her own.

When the district 4 and newly rumored polo field built out the over crowding problem will be in the north and we will all be in the same boat? Until then I am enjoying the pleasant Utopia of the far north!

[peteg]

If that many people want water aerobics then surely another session should be arranged.It would be interesting to know how many people use the lane swimming times - if as I suspect these slots are under utilised then some of them should be reallocated (to aerobics or any other group) according to need.
True there is a limit on hours in a day but all groups must be allowed use of the pool but limited to only 1 session if there is insufficient demand

[CFrance]

The lane swimming is not under utilized. There is a person who comes to our pool very early to swim laps because the lane swim times are pretty busy. I don't think any of those times should be taken away from the lap swimmers and pool walkers.

The problem with adding more aerobics times is that you need more volunteer instructors. And they have their own lives too.