Amy Barron’s Life-Changing Connection to the Sewickley Valley YMCA Pool
For Amy Barron, the Sewickley Valley YMCA pool is more than just a place to swim—it is a vital part of her life.
As a Masters swimmer, she has spent nearly a decade training, competing, and building friendships in the water.
However, as the aquatics facilities age, Amy and many others are facing growing challenges that threaten their ability to continue using the pool to its fullest potential.
Rediscovering a Passion for Swimming
Amy first joined the Sewickley Valley YMCA in 2015, both as a childcare worker and a member. While she had been a competitive swimmer as a child, she stepped away from the sport during college.
“I stopped swimming for almost 20 years,” she shared. “But when I started working at the Y, I got back into it. I knew I needed something for my mental health, and swimming just fit.”
Since then, she has been a dedicated member of the YMCA Masters Swim Team, a diverse group of swimmers who train and compete against other teams across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding, bringing together individuals of all ages and skill levels.
“We race men and women together in our meets, which pushes everyone to be better,” Amy explained. “Some people are here just to stay active, but for me, I love the competition.”
Facing Challenges in Aging Facilities
Yet, despite her passion for the program, she and her teammates have faced increasing challenges due to the condition of the pool.
“There’s a leak in the pool, so the water level is always low, which makes it really wavy,” Amy noted. “With four adults swimming in a lane, it’s like being in a wave pool. It makes training really difficult.”
The inconsistent water temperature and aging infrastructure have made things even more frustrating. Recently, she suffered an injury during a flip turn, which made her reconsider her ability to continue.
“I almost stopped coming,” she admitted. “I love swimming, but we need a better facility to train safely.”
A Legacy of Exceptional Aquatics Programs
The Sewickley Valley YMCA has long been known for its exceptional aquatics program, providing a unique filtration system that minimizes chlorine, making the water cleaner and more enjoyable. The Y is also the largest provider of swim lessons in the U.S., playing a crucial role in drowning prevention.
Amy sees firsthand how many people rely on the aquatics programs, from children learning to swim to seniors participating in water aerobics, to competitive swimmers like herself.
However, without proper investment, these programs face increasing limitations.
“People that come here for meets rave about our pool and facilities,” Amy said. “But they don’t see the issues we deal with every day—the waves, the leaks, the temperature changes. It all adds up.”
Preserving a Community Resource for All Generations
For Amy and countless others, supporting the Sewickley Valley YMCA’s Aquatics Program isn’t just about maintaining a pool—it’s about preserving a resource that impacts every generation. The pool serves as a training ground for athletes, a safe space for children to learn to swim, and a source of community and well-being for seniors and families.
“This Y has given me the chance to rediscover my passion for swimming,” Amy said. “Now, it needs help to make sure that everyone who relies on it can continue to do so for years to come.”
This blog post highlights the importance of supporting local community resources like the Sewickley Valley YMCA. Consider getting involved or making a contribution to help maintain these vital facilities.