By Wendy L. Hoffmann
Sleepy Eye Family Aquatic Center Manager
There are a few changes at SEFAC this year and the biggest one occurred May 6, as many of you took advantage of setting up your CivicRec accounts, and then proceeded to sign up for swimming lessons online—which allowed you to purchase by using a credit card. If you have not had a chance to set up an account yet, please do this prior to coming to the pool as it will simplify the process of purchasing passes, punch cards, or swimming lessons. You can do this by going to the City of Sleepy Eye website and scrolling down to the Aquatic Center tab and then click on Recreation Software Sign-up. You now have the option to use credit or debit card online or if you want to pay in person credit/debit, cash or check are accepted.
The SEFAC will tentatively open on Thursday, May 31. Please watch for updates on this date as we get closer, on our Facebook page, city of Sleepy Eye website, or call 794-9501 (again if you have an account set up you will receive these notifications via email or text). Our hours are noon to 7 p.m. daily. We will be offering swimming lessons this year for $50/child for Levels 3-6 and $30 for Starfish and Level 2. Please note that we did make some changes in the times for when lessons are available, with the biggest being evening lessons in Session 3. Payment is due when you sign up. We will offer adult water aerobics/lap swim beginning Monday, June 3. This will run Monday through Friday at 7 to 9 a.m. or 7 to 8 p.m.
We offer daily admission at $7, which is for everyone entering the facility (55 and older senior citizen non-swimmer admission is $4). We will sell season passes for families ($215) or individuals ($140). Family passes only include immediate family members (those living in your household). We also offer punch cards in increments of 10 visits for $60. Adult water aerobics/lap swim will be $4 for each visit or we encourage you to buy a punch card which would give you 10 visits for $40, or a pass is available for the season for $120. The pool is also available for private party rentals at $150/hour plus $15/lifeguard. Please call the pool to check on availability.
We have also set up various night swims throughout the summer, which will require you to pay $7/patron or $4 if you have a family/individual membership for the season (which is different from last year) with no punch cards being honored. The following night swims will be from 8 to 10 p.m.: June 25 and July 25. On June 22 and July 21 we will have night swim from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The pool will provide a concession stand which will carry various candy, pop, water, ice cream treats, pickles, and pizza. No coolers/food/beverages from outside will be allowed into the facility. Lounge chairs are available for your convenience. You may also bring pool toys (no inner tubes or floaties) and if your child is wearing a lifejacket we ask that there is an adult attending to that child at all times in the water, whether in the kiddie pool or the lap pool. Lifejackets are not allowed on while using the slides or the diving boards. Lockers will also be made available and locks can be rented for $3 with $1 being returned once the lock is turned back in. If your child is not potty trained they are required to wear a swim diaper which are available to purchase at the pool for $2.
If you would like to stay updated throughout the summer or have any questions, visit our Facebook page or the city website. If you have an account, notification will be sent to the email or text that you have indicated or call the aquatic center at 794-9501. Please note, all closings/cancellations will be posted on the Sleepy Eye Family Aquatic Center Facebook page. If you have an account, we can now email that info out as well.
We have some great experience returning this year for lifeguards, as well as some new ones to be trained. The number of lifeguards is down but we will do our best to be open, keeping in mind that safety is our number one priority. The staff at the aquatic center look forward to providing you with a safe and fun experience at the pool! See you soon!
