Equity, accessibility, and variety attract teens to aquatic pipeline
Though no two parks and recreation departments are the same, many seem to be stumped by the same problem – creating aquatic programming for teens.
This demographic is especially vulnerable to peer pressure, with friends and trends dictating how they spend their time. Today’s teens are also digital natives, with large portions of their lives centered around being online, be it gaming, social media, or other modes of media consumption. Hanging out at the local pool pales in comparison to what’s happening in their feeds.
But a handful of aquatic leaders have figured out how to attract teens to their programs––and keep them coming back.
Something To Work For
The Manassas Park Sharks Swim Team was created three years ago. The name came about randomly (a shark mascot costume was already on-hand), but the vision for the team was more inspired.
On one end, the City of Manassas Park’s Department of Parks and Recreation (located in Virginia) was looking for a long-term staffing solution.
“[We] wanted to have engaged teens in the aquatics program in the hopes it would help reduce our lifeguard shortage in the future,” says Sarah Barnett, former Aquatics Manager. She now serves as City Operations Officer and Director of Community Services.
