An official army family and MWR Site

Please Note: The Aquatic Center is CLOSED Friday, November 1. The facility will resume regular operating hours on Saturday, November 2.

Aquatic Center

HOURS OF OPERATION :

Sunday & Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (Unit PT & Lap Swim) & 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Lap & Open Swim) 

Wednesday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (PT, Lap Swim & Open Swim)

Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (PT & Lap Swim Only) & 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Lap & Open Swim)

Friday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (PT, Lap & Open Swim)

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Lap & Open Swim)

Federal and Training Holidays: Closed

ELIGIBILITY & RULES :
The Aquatic Center is currently serving eligible community members of all ages.

For more information, contact Baumholder Aquatic Center :
Wetzel Kaserne, Bldg. 8897
DSN: (314) 531-2901
Commercial: +49 (0)611-143-531-2901 or +49 (0)611-143-531-2904

Baumholder is home to the Army's only aquatics facility in Germany!

The swimming pool is open to all SOFA ID cardholders and their family members. Children 12 and under need to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.  Youth, 13 and over with a valid SOFA ID can use the pool unaccompanied. The pool is open to local nationals, contractors and others with a valid installation pass that authorizes use of MWR facilities.

Training equipment is available for usage for specific types of swim training. Instructions can be given by one of the aquatics professionals if you are unsure how to use a piece of equipment. US Coast Guard approved floatation devices are available for use for infants, youth, and adults. Pool toys are also available. Please, do not bring outside pool toys or flotation devices. Only proper swimming attire is permitted in the pool.

We make waves! Make some with us!

Amenities

Our Aquatics Facility includes: 

  • 25 meter, 5 lane pool with four swimmable lanes
  • Locker rooms and showers
  • Multi-purpose room rentals
  • Classroom rentals
Programs and Prices

The aquatics center has a well-balanced aquatics program for the community and military units to benefit from, including:

  • Unit training
  • Unit PT
  • Learn-to-Swim Program
  • Water Aerobics Program

Click here for the most current prices.

Pool Reservation Forms

Unit PT & Military Training Request Form

Pool Reservation Form 

Reservation Request for Multi-Purpose Room

Classes

There are great classes offering certifications in the following American Red Cross courses:

  • Junior Lifeguard Camp
  • Lifeguard Training Course
  • Water Safety Instructor Course
Water Aerobics Program

The benefits of exercising in the water: increased circulation and flexibility, improved resting heart rate, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and balanced muscle toning. Core stabilization and balance are also improved. Other benefits include less stress on joints, reduced recovery time during exercise, relaxation, and psychological well-being. Most important, it is fun! Class times and days may vary and are scheduled seasonally.

Learn-to-Swim Program

Certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors teach year-round water adjustment and Learn-to-Swim classes for young children, ages 12 months to 5 years, youth ages 6 years and up, and adults.

Level breakdown:

Parent & Child Aquatics, Levels 1 and 2: This is for the child age 12 months to 3 years and requires a parent/guardian to be in the water with the child.  Skills are developmental and age-appropriate. Each level is based on participation. There are two progressive levels.

Pre-school Aquatics (PSA):

Pre-school Aquatics (PSA) is a swim program design for pre-school aged children (3-5 years). It is a fun and exciting rite of passage to help children overcome water worries. Parent must remain on site at all times. There are three successive levels of PSA. Each level is progressive, building on skills from the previous level. Each level is based on pass/fail, and requires a “pass” to move to the next respective level.

  • PSA Level 1 is for children who have no previous water experience, or who have previously taken Level 1 and are recommended to re-take Level 1.
  • PSA Level 2 is for children who have had successful experience in Level 1 (or the previous program).
  • PSA Level 3 is for children who have had successful experience in Level 2 (or the previous program). 

*Please note, this program is designed specifically for young children and teaches skills appropriate to the child’s age and physical ability.

Learn-to-Swim Program:

The Youth Learn-to-Swim Program offers various levels of completion (Levels 1 through 6) and are tailored for children/youth, ages 6 years and older. Each level is based on pass/fail and requires a “pass” to move to the next respective level.

Level 1, Introduction to Water Skills: This is for the non-swimmer who may or may not be comfortable in the water. The objectives of Level 1 are to learn basic personal water safety skills, and to help participants enjoy and feel comfortable in the water. Elementary aquatics skills are learned such as blowing bubbles, opening eyes, and learning to float and kick with support. 

Level 2, Fundamental Aquatic Skills: This is for the individual who may have some skills in the water, but no real swimming skills. The objective of Level 2 is go give participants success with fundamental skills. Participants learn to float without support, develop simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on front and back, as well as more personal safety skills. 

Level 3, Stroke Development: This is for the individual who has some propulsive skills and has passed Level 2. In this level, students learn the survival float, scissors and dolphin kicks, and treading water. Front Crawl and Elementary Backstroke are developed. Elementary diving skills are introduced as well as more personal safety skills.

Level 4, Stroke Improvement: This is for the individual who has passed Level 3. All previously learned strokes are reviewed and further developed.  Sidestroke is learned. Back Crawl, Breaststroke, Butterfly are introduced and developed. Diving is further developed. Turning at a wall is introduced, as well as more personal safety skills.

Level 5, Stroke Refinement: This is for the individual who has passed Level 4. All previous learned strokes are further developed and refined, focusing on technique. Each participant increases the distance they swim. Diving is further developed.  Flip turns on front and back are introduced as well as more personal safety skills.

Level 6, Swimming and Skill Proficiency: This is for the individual who has passed Level 5. All previous learned strokes are refined for efficiency and power. Turns are reviewed and worked on. In addition to the core skill requirements, there are three categories of additional skill development for Level 6. The three categories are: Personal Water Safety, Fundamentals of Diving, and Fitness Swimmer.

Junior Lifeguard Camp

The American Red Cross Junior Lifeguard Course is offered for youth ages 11 to 14. The course provides youth with a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills to give them a better understanding of being safe in and around the water, what to do in case of an emergency, as well as prepare them for the Lifeguarding Course. There are lessons in prevention, fitness, response, leadership, and professionalism. This course is taught usually during the summer.

Lifeguard Training Course

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course provides training for entry-level lifeguards. Participants learn skills and knowledge necessary to help prevent, to recognize, and to respond to emergencies and sudden illness. Training includes CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Lifeguarding skills. Call to get on the waiting list and receive information when course is being offered.

Water Safety Instructor Course

The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course provides training for individuals to become certified swimming instructors. Learn how to teach the fundamentals of learning to swim, how to breakdown strokes, how to apply hydrodynamic principles, and how to adapt teaching methods for the very young child, adults, and individuals with special needs. Call to get on the waiting list and receive information when course is being offered.

Unit Training and Unit PT

Aquatics Training is offered for units and covers a gambit of areas.  Types of aquatics training available:  Water Survival Training (TC 21-21), Shallow Water Egress Training (vehicle rollover simulator), SKED Training (in water victim retrieval and transport), Combat Water Survival Testing (instructional portion available), and APFT Swim Testing also available. There are alternate PT activities from which to choose, such as Water Aerobics, Aqua Jogger, Water Exercise, Circuit Training, Relays, Fundamental Aquatic Skills, Swimming Technique, Swimming Conditioning, Water Polo, and Inner Tube Water Polo. Trained instructors are provided.  Allow two to three weeks advance notice.  Please call for date and time availability.  Reservation required.  Have another aquatics training request in mind?

Multi-Purpose Room Rental and Classroom Rental

The Multi-Purpose Room is a cozy room to hold a birthday party, baby shower, get-together, etc. Classroom space is available for classes, meetings, trainings, etc. These rooms can be rented for a nominal fee. Fees vary per room. Minimum rental period is two hours. Set up and clean up time is scheduled in conjunction with the rental period. Maximum room capacity is 38 people for the Multi-Purpose Room, 20 people for the large classroom, and 10 people for the small classroom. Please call for date and time availability. Reservation required.

Lifeguard Positions

Benefits of Lifeguarding-01.jpgThe Baumholder Indoor Swimming Pool has vacancies for lifeguards. We need you!  Are you ready for the challenge? Get paid to stay fit!  Some benefits included and additional training opportunities are available. If you enjoy swimming and working with people, why not become a lifeguard?

FAQ

Q: Is there a fee associated with pool usage?

A: Yes, there is a nominal fee associated with recreational pool usage. Fees, however, are not administered when the pool is used for military mission-related purposes. Please review our fees in the sections above.

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Q: Why are active-duty members charged when not utilizing the pool for Physical or sanctioned Military Training?

A: The Aquatic Center is a mission pool. When the facility is not used for mission-related purposes, fees are applied to cover operational costs.

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Q: What is the water temperature?

A: The water temperature is set between 82-84°F in accordance with Medical Technical Bulletin (TB MED) 575, 2-59 & TM 5-662, 14-8.

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Q: Why is the pool closed during lunch?

A: The hours of operation are based on a combination of Military Mission-related utilization and community demand for recreational swimming. Typically, there is a great demand in the early morning hours and very little demand during lunch.

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Q: Why does my child have to wear a lifejacket?

A: To ensure safety, if the child is unable to stand in shallow water or pass a swim test, the utilization of a lifejacket is mandated per the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual.

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Q: Do I have to be in the water when my child has a lifejacket on?

A: Yes, but only if they are under the age of 6 in accordance with Medical Technical Bulletin (TB MED) 575.

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Q: How old do children have to be to utilize the pool unaccompanied?

A: They must be at least 13 years old. Children 12 years old and under must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 215-1, 8-28, 7(a).

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Q: Are patrons authorized to bring outside floatation devices or toys?

A: Floatation devices are permitted if they are USA Coast Guard approved. Toys are not permitted to mitigate conflict and ensure cleanliness in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 215-1, 8-26, 6(a).

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Q: Why are there pool breaks?

A: Pool breaks are administered to allow safety checks to commence. Pool breaks are typically 5-10 minutes in length during which time lifeguard(s) on duty check to verify that no safety hazards have developed in the water, on equipment or in the facility.

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Q: Why are lap swimmers allowed to swim during pool breaks?

A: Lap swimmers are proven swimmers that maintain a constant rhythm while swimming. This allows the lifeguard(s) on duty to easily check the pool without interference.

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Q: How do I make a pool reservation? Additionally, how far in advance must this be done?

A: To make a pool reservation call Civ. 0611-143-531-2904 or Mil. 531-2904. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance. Please see the Pool Reservation Form in the sections above.

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Q: What types of pool reservations can be made?

A: You can reserve the pool for utilization within or outside of business hours. We will accept reservations for birthday parties, water polo, swim practice, and baptisms. For any other reservations, call Civ. 0611-143-531-2904 or Mil. 531-2904. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance. Please see the Pool Reservation Form in the sections above.

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Q: What type of Military reservations can be made?

A: We will accept reservations for: Water Survival Training/Testing, Shallow Water Egress, Combat Water Survival Training, Army Physical Fitness Test, German Proficiency Swim Test, PT Alternatives (Aqua Jogger/Circuit Training, Water Exercise/Fitness Swimming/Postpartum Pregnancy Physical Training), Team Building, Inner tube Water Polo and Aquatic Relay Races.

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Q: Is there a room that can be rented for parties?

A: Yes. To make a reservation, call Civ. 0611-143-531-2904 or Mil. 531-2904. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance. Please see the Reservation Form in the sections above.

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