Swimming Pool Memories

Growing up in the small village of Bruno NE (population 125) during the 70s was quite the experience. Now, I look at the life of my children and really do miss those days of playing in the creek (or crick), not having many commitments during the summer months, just sittin' around. As I "run around" with my five going to swim lessons, swim team, gymnastics, cooking class, piano lessons, basketball camp, more gymnastics and more swimming... I sometimes miss that WONDERFUL laid-back LIFESTYLE of Bruno NE life.

About a month before Memorial Day we would always wait for the weekly paper to come in the mail from the big city (pop 2,500) of David City NE (10 miles West of Bruno). We would watch for that paper to come in the mailbox and as soon as it did, we'd dig through the 30 or some pages looking for the registration for swim lessons! (Well, I would be the one too excited to speak!) We'd have Mom fill it all out and then attach the check for what, say $40 bucks. (That would be lessons for 4 kids, 1/2 hour, 2 weeks or 10 days. And during those 2 weeks of lessons you got in free during the afternoon to practice and play around.)

Now, the rule at our house was you had to pass Beginner's and that was it. (My Mom was not too tough.) But, in order to pass Beginner's you had to swim the length of the pool (crawl or as we know it now freestyle) and jump off the high dive. Kevin my oldest brother did it. Loran my next oldest brother did it. I remember being threatened by Debra Lawson to jump off - she started to come up the stairs. And Lyle my youngest brother was pushed off I believe. Those were the days. We ALL passed and Mom was happy!

My brothers did not continue on. They passed Beginner's and they were happy and so was Mom. I wanted to keep going though. I remember passing Advanced Beginner's, Intermediate, Swimmers, Advanced Swimmers and then finally onto the Lifeguarding class.

My goal - to become a Lifeguard at the David City Pool.

It was considered PRESTIGIOUS. Well, it was either that or work at one of the manufacturing plants in DC, detassle corn in the wee-early morning hours or just have no $$$. I wanted the $$$ and wanted ease... pool life was for me!

So, during the winter months I passed all the Lifeguarding Classes at the YMCA in Columbus (10 miles North of DC) and applied for a position. Accepted. So, during my Freshman through Senior years of High School (during the summer months) I had the wonderful job of swimming instructor from 9 to noon and lifeguard from 1 to 9. Long hours - but FUN FUN FUN! We were open every day of the week and one could make nice $$$ for the amount of work that had to be done. Sure, we did have to clean the bathhouse at the end of each day, but it involved a hose and friends and it was fun.

So, why do I tell you this little story... today Emma Lee passed out of the Mom-Tot class and I no longer have anyone to take in to the pool for swim lessons. I ALWAYS signed up for this class (mom-tot) wherever we lived because it brought back such wonderful memories. I love the water! It is just a wonderful way to have fun with your kids, stay cool, pass the time, etc.

And, since my Teaching/Lifeguarding Days, the David City Pool has taken on a whole new facelift. (I believe it's the same hole, but the bathhouse is no longer there. It has been replaced by grass.)