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To mark the anniversary of its management of the Baler Aquatic Center at Hollister High School on Feb. 13, the YMCA of San Benito celebrated with free swimming, facility tours and games.
Aquatics Coordinator Xenia Murga said the event showed how the YMCA and the Center give back to the community.
The YMCA of San Benito County leadership team was there, along with the center’s lifeguards: Audrey Ruth, Neveh Velasco, Isabella Perez and Angelica Narvaez Perez.
“We had a year of getting to know different people,” Murga said. “We were watching the kiddos swim and gaining confidence in the water. We have swimming lessons throughout the whole year, and some people come in daily to swim and exercise.”
The monthly youth sessions are for kids up to 12 years old. Community members can join to swim laps or participate in a family swim.
“We think people should join because it’s really nice out here,” Murga said. “And the pools are great. People can bring their kids to learn how to swim, and it’s a great life skill.”
Hollister resident Mateo Ocampo said he heard about the event from her aunt, Jessica Ocampo, and he attended with his friend John Garcia.
“I love playing football and landed in the pool,” Ocampo said. “I wanted to play with friends and do cornhole, I loved jumping in the pool, diving in the pool and doing cannonballs.”
Wayne Clark of Hollister heard about the celebration from his mom, Kristy Bettencourt, who suggested he bring his sons.
“I just wanted to get out when the weather was decent enough with the kids,” Clark said. “My sons, Luke and Cash, have fun in the pool. It’s getting closer to summer, and I want to keep the kids outside, keep them away from the TVs and all their tablets.”
He said it’s their second time at this pool, but they’ve also been at the pool at his mom’s, so they are pretty much in the pool all summer long.
“I think it will benefit the community greatly,” Clark said, “and it keeps people active. It also shows the kids what they can look forward to coming into high school and gives them a chance to meet new people.”
Murga said the center also offers gym memberships, swim lessons and a summer day camp for kids. There are also after-school programs, she said.
Baler Aquatic Center
1700 River Parkway, Hollister
(831) 262-3886
Hours
Monday afternoon: 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Friday mornings: 6 to 8 a.m.
Friday afternoon: 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to noon
Sunday: closed
Website: https://www.centralcoastymca.org/ymca-of-san-benito-county/
Lukah Ocampo swimming in the pool at the one-year anniversary event. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Lifeguards Isabella Perez and Natalie Silva chatting. Photo by Adam Bell. 
People watching the swimmers at the Baler Aquatic Center. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Wayne Clark playing corn hole. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Junior Lupati enjoys the swim time. Photo by Adam Bell.
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