It was a splishing and splashing good time last week as Cowra Community Health Services’ Aqua MIPs program kicked off for the summer.
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Wednesday, November 1 was the official first day of the season for the group, with 21 people participating. On Friday morning, November 3, that number jumped to 39.
Louise Johnson from Cowra Community Health Services said as the weather gets warmer they can expect hundreds to join the group.
“The biggest number we’ve ever had has been 120 but we will get into the 80’s, 90’s,” she said.
“January is always the best month but when the hot weather comes in that number will climb.
The program, which celebrated 20 years last year, has been going from strength to strength Louise said, with new volunteers on board to meet demand.
“Last year we celebrated 20 years so I guess we are having our 21st this year,” she said.
“We have volunteers doing training in November and there’s two new people so we will have eight people training to lead the exercise group.”
Louise says more volunteers will enable the group to cater for the variety of needs within the group.
“So when it gets really hot and the numbers improve, we have a fast exercise group down the end for those who want to do a lot more deep water exercises,” she said.
“No one is made to go any deeper than they want, we’ve got belts for those with mobility problems.”
Louise said anyone over the age of 16 can join the group, which operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am till 10am.
“Any age, any ability or disability is not a problem. If they’ve had surgery or a major illness they do need clearance from their doctor,” she said.
“Generally it spreads by word of mouth but we do get referrals from doctors and physios.”
Cowra Commuity Health Service would like to thank the staff at Cowra Aquatic Centre and the community groups who have donated money towards equipment for the group, including stairs, a hydrolic lift, weights and a sound system.
“All equipment has been bought with donated money, it’s a lot of community sharing,” Louise said.
“We have a great connection with the pool staff, they help us an awful lot.”
If you are interested in joining the group, registration is needed and can be done prior to getting in the pool, Community Health Staff and volunteers will be present.
Further information from Cowra Community Health Service, 6340 9100.
