Zero-gravity healing in the pool

Rachel and Ruth Anne, two of our members, have had incredible recovery journeys aided by the work they’ve done in the pool. Even if you aren’t going through physical therapy or recovery, you’ll enjoy their stories followed by great advice for getting yourself moving and accepting support when you’re trying something new!

Rachel's Story

On February 15^th, 2024 Rachel had 6 inches of femur transplanted and a metal rod put through her knee. Before this surgery she was active, a runner, and always moving.

For the first 6 months of healing she was very fragile, unable to move much at all. On her first visit to the Rec Center she used the lift chair to aid her entrance into the pool – noting that the Rec Center is one of the most accessible buildings in Bayfield. She started by just floating and being held by the water, instantly feeling the relief of floating and the fear of falling or hurting herself washing away. She had never been a swimmer and was new to pool culture but was helped by staff and at ease seeing that everyone in the pool was moving at different levels.

In addition to floating, Rachel noted the benefits of the sauna to have a really good sweat after having been fairly stagnant for 6 months.

Rachel has progressed from needing the pool lift and walking on crutches to only using a walking stick for extra balance on the ice. We're cheering her on and hope that she stays a lap swimmer with us!

Ruth Anne's Story

Ruth Anne was also active as a skier and runner. After a knee replacement in 2012 she joined the Aqua Fit class in the pool to stay active with less impact on her knees. Her recovery was slow, but she stayed at it, attending Aqua Fit religiously.

In 2014 she had her second knee replaced and this time her recovery was twice as fast. Her muscles were healthy from working out in the pool, and around 2018 Ruth Anne started teaching Aqua Fit in addition to swimming laps. She's consistently been in the pool 5 days a week over the last 10 years!

In November 2024 Ruth Anne took a fall and was unable to walk for 5 weeks. She was in bed at a nursing home, visited by friends from the pool and ferry line. Again, she recovered quickly- leaving the nursing home 2 weeks earlier than expected.

She requested physical therapy in the pool and instantly being back in the pool was a huge relief – a place where she was able to move without pain as she built confidence in her body again. Ruth Anne is now comfortably swimming laps, walking on ice, skiing, driving herself, and will be teaching Aqua Fit again starting in April!

Both women shared similar advice:

- Don’t worry about what other people are doing, just get into the pool and experience the pain relief of being in zero gravity.

- Slowly explore moving your body and finding what feels good for you.

- Accept support as you try something new.

- Enjoy the social aspect of meeting and connecting with people.

- Talk to the Rec Center staff about your needs, they are super friendly!

In Partnership with North Lakes Community Clinic

We work in partnership with North Lakes Community Clinic, Washburn office, to offer physical therapy in the pool that serves clients twice a week. Our fitness rooms are stocked with machines and tools for cardio, strength, balancing, and flexibility. If you’re recovering from a recent injury, new to fitness, or just looking for a place to socialize you’ll find the Rec Center offers plenty of benefits.

NEW! Personal Training starting March 18th

Personal Training for members 14+ will be available starting March 18th.

Get a little extra help from a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer who will develop, monitor, and modify your exercise program to help you realize your potential.

Visit the Rec Center front desk for enrollment paperwork and to book your first session.

Learn More about Personal Training

The start of the 2025 Masters Swim Season at the Bayfield Rec Center will be Tuesday March 4th. This is an adult club for those 18+ who want to swim socially, competitively, or for fitness. You do not have to be an elite athlete to participate! If you can swim 5 laps (250m) you can join!

Learn More and Register for US Masters Swim

Pre-order 2025 P2LP Merch

Learn How to Use Scuba Gear

Take your first breaths underwater

Find out if you like Scuba diving before taking a full certification course

Lake Superior Sailing Lessons for kids 5+.

New this year we are offering adult lessons!

We close due to weather conditions at the discretion of our staff. If the Rec Center is closed, all programming will be canceled. 24 Hour Access will remain open to the best of our ability. Check our calendar and Facebook for updates. Closures due to weather will also be announced on WDIO TV Channels 10/13.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30-9:15am Aqua Fit - intermediate class in the shallow end of the pool for all working on cardio, strength, and balance.

Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:30-9:15am Circuit - intermediate class for older adults looking for cardio and strength training.

Wednesdays 5:45-6:30pm Deep Water HIIT - high intensity class that will get your heart rate up and your muscles working. Participants must be able to swim. A flotation belt is provided. Please arrive early on your first day.

Thursdays 3:30-6:45pm Makers Space - ages 7-12 can tinker, build, and explore with Legos, beads, stop motion video, and more.

An adult must be in the building while child is in Makers Space.

All of these classes are included in your membership. Bayfield School students have a free membership which they can use for Makers Space.

More info on Classes

Updates from Previous Newsletters

In January we invited you to try a new way to socialize and exercise with water polo and log rolling!
We've had record turn outs for both sports this winter and love having more beginners join the established groups.

Next log roll will be Sunday, March 2nd

Water polo every Sunday 3:00pm-4:30pm in winter. With potluck to follow!

In October we shared the great news of the doubling in size of the Bay Aera Swim Team.

On February 8th and 9th we had 12 swimmers qualify to compete in 25 different events, 43 individual races, and a relay at the conference meet.

This year's performance was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and growth of our swimmers throughout the season.

Thank you to the parents and coaches who made this season a success!

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Updated Membership Policy August 2024

Full Rec Center Calendar

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PO Box 1146
140 S. Broad St
Bayfield
WI
United States of America