St. Thomas’s only public pool recently expanded its hours to include early morning lap swim sessions, opening new possibilities for island residents seeking a refreshing way to start the day.
The St. Thomas Swimming Association now offers lap swim from 6 to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in addition to its existing midday and afternoon sessions. Swimmers can drop in for $10 or pay $60 monthly for unlimited access to the Red Hook facility.
For Elliot Loewenstein, who’s over 50 and managing arthritis along with several meniscus tears, the morning hours solve a problem he’s faced for years.
“I usually get about a third of my workout done before the sun crests over the hills just south of Red Hook,” Loewenstein said. “So, it’s actually quite beautiful to be in the water, exercising and watching the sun rise while the swallows fly overhead. I’ve been waiting years for this day to come, and I’m so grateful that it finally has.”
The expansion addressed a gap that left working islanders with few options. Midday sessions ran into beaming sun and busy schedules. Afternoons belonged to the swim team.
“The middle of the day is difficult for people who work traditional hours, and the sun can be brutal at that time,” Loewenstein explained. “By late afternoon the swim team is practicing, so that leaves only the morning for the rest of us. And, until now, it wasn’t an option.”
STSA office manager Katie Owens explained the association’s mission behind the recent expansion. “Our hope with Lap Swim is to broaden access to swimming, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen local connections through shared, water-based activity,” she said. “We want to provide an opportunity for the community to use our beautiful pool in an affordable way.”
The pool at 6501 Red Hook Road, Suite 201, is the only public facility of its kind on St. Thomas. Its lap swim hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The association remains open to further expansion if demand continues to grow, signaling that these morning hours may be just the beginning.
Owens emphasized that the program isn’t just for the experienced. “So many people on island just aren’t confident in their swimming skills,” she said. “We want people to enjoy the beaches.”
The facility offers marked lanes, well-maintained bathrooms and showers, and what Owens calls “a welcoming environment for any ability.”
Loewenstein, who has never been a competitive swimmer, agreed. “You don’t have to ever have been a swimmer to incorporate swimming into your routine,” he says. “I’m not fast, and what takes me thirty minutes might take the person in the next lane 15. Who cares? Whatever your pace is, is fine because it’s not about being good. It’s about getting a good workout.”
For him, swimming has become a staple in his fitness routine. “Running isn’t an option, so swimming is the best way for me to get low-impact cardio,” he said. “But it’s not just for older or middle-aged people, it can be a great form of cross-training for anyone, whether you’re an athlete or a regular person like me just trying to stay fit.”
The early hours have brought benefits beyond exercise. “Getting up early can be tough, but if you commit to it, it will keep you [level-headed] and get you to bed earlier,” Loewenstein noted. “So, it’s a win all around for your health and wellness. And it actually feels great to have gotten a workout before the day’s even started.”
“STSA is the only public pool on-island,” he added. “For someone like me who values exercise but can’t run anymore, it’s a real gift. I’m so grateful to Katie and the STSA Board and anyone who helped make [this] a reality. I hope that others in the community are grateful, too, and that they come out to show support by participating and improve the quality of their weekly exercise routines.”
The pool opens at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Loewenstein will likely already be there.
St. Thomas Swimming Association Lap Swim
6501 Red Hook Road, Suite 201, St. Thomas, VI 00802
(340) 779-7872
stsaswimming@gmail.com
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 6-9 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: $10 drop-in or $60/month unlimited
St. Croix Source
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