Benefits of Treading Water
Some people use “treading water” as a metaphor for staying in one place, not making much progress.
But here at PJCC Aquatics, we see “treading water” quite differently! Below, our Aquatics Manager Gina Livingston lists her top three reasons for incorporating this seemingly simple—but still important—skill into your swim regimen.
1. Treading water is an important safety skill. The American Red Cross lists treading water among its top five skills for water safety. They recommend being able to tread for one minute. If you’re entering a triathlon, treading water also plays a major role in your ability to stay the course with endurance.
2. Like most aquatic activities, it’s a low-impact form of exercise. And it’s a perfect opportunity to get a full-body workout! You can experiment with a variety of kicks—flutter kicks, scissor kicks, the rotary (or “eggbeater”) kick—while you engage your core and increase your feel for the water through sculling, an efficient technique for hand and arm movement that can improve your overall swim practice.
3. It’s a great way to burn calories. Based on guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine, treading water at a moderate pace can burn anywhere from 3.5 to 7 kcal per minute; treading vigorously burns more than 7 kcal per minute. Although the actual rate of burning calories will differ from person to person, you can see that treading water is true, healthy work! (Review the General Physical Activities Defined by Level of Intensity.)
Ready to get started? If you’re new to this practice, we recommend beginning in the shallow end of the pool and gradually building up your stamina. If you’re already competent, why not challenge yourself and see how long you can tread? Either way, you’re laying the foundation for a stronger, safer experience in the water.
Lifeguard of the MonthMeet Faraz Davallou!
Faraz—who also goes by Frankie—has worked as a lifeguard at the PJCC since 2011.
He loves to spend time with his dog Remus and take him on runs. During the week, he works as a substitute teacher. But if all that wasn’t enough to keep him active, he also plays soccer in his free time.
Be sure to say hello next time you see him on the pool deck!
Interested in becoming part of our Aquatics professional team? We’re looking for dedicated staff to lifeguard, teach swim lessons, and coach our Barracuda youth swim team. PJCC will provide certification training. Employment includes complimentary PJCC Center Membership, as well as additional PJCC benefits and discounts. Learn more by contacting Aquatics Manager Gina Livingston at glivingston@pjcc.org.
Important Reminders
Registration Made Easy!
1. Visit our Aquatics Office
2. Call 650.378.2782
Cancellations Due by the 15th
Cancellations must be made in writing by the 15th of the current month for a next-month cancellation. “In writing” means one of two ways:
Missed Classes: We do not offer make up classes for missed classes. In some cases, we will honor a doctor’s note if the child was seen by a physician and make arrangements for a swim lesson credit.
Complimentary Swim Evaluations
Not sure of your class level? Our swim instructors will meet with your child in the water to assess their swim proficiency and place them in the appropriate level. To schedule your free evaluation, call our Aquatics Office today at 650.378.2782!
