The Mason Community Center and the Aquatic Center combined are home to the largest complement of aquatic programming opportunities available to the region. Key to these opportunities is Mason’s mission for teaching residents of all abilities how to be safe in the water.
Mason Community Center’s Swim Academy offers both private and group swim lessons for all ages and skill levels. SwimAmerica™ certified swim instructors help participants find success in reaching their goals in a safe and stimulating environment.
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your swimmer at their best:
- Confidence is key! Swimmers will become more confident in their abilities and successful in their skills when they continue practicing what they learned from their instructors during open swim times.
- Learning the right breathing techniques can make a huge difference in the success of a swimmer. It is important to practice blowing nose bubbles every time your swimmer goes under water.
- Your child can practice blowing nose bubbles at home – bath time is the perfect time to practice.
- Building endurance will help your swimmer succeed as he moves through the Learn to Swim program. Core exercises will help build the muscles necessary for swimming long distances.
- Planks and hip bridges are simple exercises to build core strength.
- It is recommended that your child participate in no more than one swim class per day.
Are you new to Mason Swim Academy and not sure what swim lesson station your child should be in? Click here for lesson details to find out what station is best for your child.
Mason’s Learn to Swim Program is often the foundation for new swimmers to learn how to be safe in the water and learn to swim. Upon completion of the Mason Swim Academy, swimmers have the option to try-out for Mason’s Manta Rays competitive swim program.
The program began in 2003 as an extension of the Mason Community Center’s aquatic programs and offerings. From 110 swimmers in 2003, the program has grown to over 400 swimmers this season. The City of Mason Manta Rays swim program is ranked in the top 1% of 3,000 USA Swimming teams. Since the program’s establishment, the Mason Manta Rays program has produced nationally and internationally ranked athletes that have gone on to continue their swimming career at the collegiate level and have had representation at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials since 2008. These competitive athletes possess a strong sense of discipline, maintain a vigorous training regimen, and stay focused and healthy.
The swim year is divided into two seasons. The winter season, also known as the “short course” season runs from mid-September to mid-March. These meets are held in a 25-yard pool. The summer season, also known as the “long course” season, runs from early April to mid-August. These meets are typically held in a 50-meter pool.
Placement on the Manta Ray team is based on skill, speed, and a willingness to listen and learn. Tryouts for the team are typically held each July. Once a swimmer makes the team, athletes are divided into training and practice groups based on their skill level. Coaches evaluate each swimmer in the fall and spring to determine their progress and place them in a group that is best for their continued growth and development.
To watch the Manta Rays in action, learn more about upcoming swim meets here.
Manta Rays Spring Banquet 2024 Program
New this year, the City of Mason Manta Rays introduced a new swim team group, Mason Manta Ray Champions. This inclusive swim group is offered to advanced swimmers with disabilities and encourages growth and skill development in and out of the water. The Mason Manta Rays partners with the Warren County Board of Development Disabilities to offer athletes opportunities to compete in inclusive swim meets.
The City of Mason Manta Rays Summer Recreational League offers high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for children 18 and under. The goal of this team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability. The Summer Recreational League is a great opportunity for those interested in a recreational swim program with an introduction to competitive swimming. This summer swim team allows participants to continue their interest in swimming while enhancing skills, developing endurance, and becoming familiar with the competitive swim environment.
The Mason Manta Rays Summer Recreational League competes in the Tri-County Swim League throughout June and July and practices weekday evenings. Swimmers participating on the team will improve four competitive strokes and starts and turns, as well as learn what it’s like to work as a member of a team and the importance of sportsmanship. Swimmers will compete with each other and other swimmers in the league.
Exercising in the water provides you with a no-impact workout that is adaptable to beginners through experienced exercise enthusiasts. Mason Community Center offers three types of drop-in group exercise classes throughout each week. WATERinMOTION is a shallow-water, low-impact exercise experience that improves cardiovascular endurance, agility, balance, strength, and flexibility. Cardio Water Fit improves cardio, balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion in a medium intensity, shallow water class. The Deep Water Workout class offers medium to high intensity and challenges your core muscles, providing an effective cardio workout without the stress to your joints. Belts are worn in this class for neutral buoyancy.
Bodies in Balance: Water is also available and is ideal for those who have arthritis, Parkinsons, fibromyalgia, discharged or phase 3 pulmonary rehab, balance issues or any other joint pain. This class is led by a certified athletic trainer and features more rehab-based exercises compared to a traditional water aerobics class.