Through Swimming Proficiency, UC Santa Barbara Aquatics Opens Doors to Opportunity

Swimming is so much more than a physical action. It is an immersive experience in which all the senses become activated.

But for those who do not know how to swim, water can be a challenging, and often fearful, experience. Through the UC Santa Barbara Department of Recreation, Aquatics offers both adult and youth swim lessons, encouraging swimming proficiency, which in turn provides swimmers with the opportunity to engage in the numerous water activities available through Santa Barbara’s incredible natural landscape. “Find your fit is our tagline,” said Cathy Czuleger, interim director of recreation. “It is not about fitness but more about finding what fits best to support individual interests. Whether you want to become a lifeguard or a water polo player or a marine biologist, learning how to swim can turn your dream into a reality.”

UCSB Aquatics has provided swim lessons for decades, and continues to see a significant need for students wanting to learn how to swim. A grant from the UC Santa Barbara Associated Students Coastal Fund allows Aquatics to off-set the cost of swim lessons, targeting current UC Santa Barbara students wanting to learn how to swim but who may have a financial barrier to participation. “Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to finally learn how to swim,” said Jenniffer, one of the student participants. “I now feel comfortable going to the pool by myself, and doing other aquatic activities such as kayaking and surfing.”

Lessons are offered in both private and group settings for beginning and intermediate levels. Groups are purposely small in number so that those who are fearful of water can get individual attention. In addition to giving student participants the opportunity to gain proficiency and confidence in the water, the grant provides student employees (who are already trained swim instructors) with jobs that increase their teaching skills while allowing for interaction with their peers. “Many adults want to learn how to swim but cannot get over their fear, which is a big hurdle for developing this life-saving skill,” said Debbie Miles-Dutton, assistant director, aquatics and safety. “Our instructors allow for trust to be built, which really makes people feel comfortable. There is nothing greater than hearing, ‘I was terrified. But, after a few months, I am swimming.’”

Children from the community can partake in youth lessons, which are available year-round. Additionally, Aquatics participates in a youth swim program geared toward third graders, provided in partnership with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, sponsored by the EAOP, and funded in part by a grant from the South Coast Aquatics Center. Children from the school district’s A-Okay program are provided with swim lessons after school, in addition to a swim suit, goggles, and cap. The program aims to eliminate as many barriers as possible to student participation. “So many children do not have the opportunity to learn how to swim,” said Cathy. “Through this program, we try to give them as many tools as we can so that they succeed.”

After a long closure (due to COVID-19), Aquatics is now in a rebuilding phase. The pandemic prevented the university (as well as organizations across the country) from certifying swim instructors and lifeguards, and providing swimming lessons, all of which has contributed to a lack of trained professionals and a gap in swimming proficiency. With its safe reopening, Aquatics can once again commence with the certification process and swim lessons can continue in order to fulfill the growing need for water safety skills. “Especially on a campus like UCSB where we have a lot of access to water, we see the need for swim lessons,” said Debbie. “Our hope is to grow enough to serve all those individuals wanting and needing to learn how to swim.”

At UC Santa Barbara, a culture of giving is woven into the fabric of the university with many individuals, departments, and groups on campus volunteering to make the community a better place. Collaborating with campus and community partners to provide access to water safety skills is just one example of the powerful bond created in the continued vibrancy of our society. “Swimming is a doorway to something more,” said Cathy.” Agreeing, Debbie continued “Swimming is an activity of opportunity. An opportunity to feel secure, to not be fearful, and to take advantage of water in any form. To be with family and friends, to have positive experiences, to work in fields incorporating water. Knowing how to swim opens so many doors.”

UC Santa Barbara – Connecting to Community

The UC Santa Barbara Department of Recreation hosts a number of special events that bring students, faculty, staff, community members, and alumni together for fantastic, fun filled, and unforgettable experiences. These functions typically involve partnerships with other UC Santa Barbara departments and groups as well as outside organizations. Learn more about the department’s events.