Aquatic Center to Mark 25th Year

Free swimming, interactive demonstrations and a water polo game are among the liquid activities on tap Saturday when Ventura College marks the 25th anniversary of its Aquatic Center.

More than 50,000 students ages 16 to 95 have used the center since it opened. More than 7,000 people have learned scuba diving, and an additional 1,000 have received certification as pool lifeguards and water-safety instructors during the last quarter century.

The Aquatic Center has been ranked as the nation’s top community college water fitness facility since 1992.

Activities Saturday will begin with the 9 a.m. water polo game. At 10 a.m., participants are invited to join in a variety of pool demonstrations, including water aerobics, a free swim-stroke analysis and scuba diving.

A ceremony at 11:30 a.m. will include a presentation to John Tallman, the first full-time aquatics instructor at the college and the current president of the Ventura County Community College District board.

A barbecue lunch will be held at noon, and swimming will follow from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Advance tickets for an $8 tri tip buffet or $4 hot dog luncheon are available by calling 648-8934.