Gilpin County offers winter swimming in the mountains
Barbara Lawlor
Gilpin County
Four-year-old Faith Ramsey glided up to the side of the pool, her elbows beached on the edge. The turquoise
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Gilpin County
Four-year-old Faith Ramsey glided up to the side of the pool, her elbows beached on the edge. The turquoise water rippled away from her red swimming suit, her blue Peak to Peak Piranhas cap. She needed help adjusting her goggles.
Swim Coach Jen Lavely showed her how to hold the lenses onto her eyes and then pull the strap around the back of her head. Faith smiled and began another lap, kicking strongly. She has been swimming since she was three years old, the youngest of the four of five siblings who are on the Gilpin County Recreation Center Peak to Peak Piranhas Swim Club.
Faith was in the first group of the night, the beginner group, usually swimmers five to six years old. The swim team is now up to 43 athletes who will compete once a month during the winter season.
The late afternoon, evening classes fill the pool area with happy conversation. The water laps up against the sides of the pool and lights glow through the water creating a blue-green shimmery atmosphere. As they work on the laps, their breathing and their kicks, the children’s cheeks glow with health.
Swimming is a sport that lasts a lifetime. The stretching, pulling motion is gentle and rehabilitative for older, aching muscles. It offers the exercise one needs without the impact on joints.
On Monday night, Nov. 7, the Peak to Peak Masters’ Swim Team met for the first time this winter. The sessions are for anyone, from swimming for fitness or swimming competitively.
Coach Lavely said that some in the class will be learning how to swim while others will be brushing off their collegiate swim caps. The first swim was free. Participants can join the monthly swim group for $50 for unlimited practices or show up on a drop-in basis for $5 per visit.
The practice sessions are Monday and Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
For more information log onto peeaktopeakswimteam.com.Masters.
