Prevent Drowning. Host World Class Competition.
Drive Community Development.
Wilmington
AQUATIC CENTER
Exciting News: Former Olympic Swim Coach David Marsh is WAC Advisor
According to Coach Marsh, WAC “will save lives, will enhance lives and will put Wilmington on the international map,” as reported in the WilmingtonBiz Journal. Former Olympic swim coach champions Wilmington Aquatic Center | WilmingtonBiz (Jan 8, 2026)
SFC Feasibility Study Concludes High Local Need & Demand for WAC
AND Create Major Economic Impact for the Wilmington Region
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), one of the largest operators of sports venues in the US, completed a feasibility study of the Wilmington Aquatic Center (WAC) in 2025, involving numerous interviews of various stakeholders. Based on its research and analysis, SFC determined WAC would generate $22.7M in economic impact year 1 and $35M annual economic impact by year 5 of operation. Overall, SFC concluded: "SFC views the Wilmington Aquatic Center as a viable opportunity to develop a first-class venue that can attract national and international events while also providing a community amenity for which there is high local need and demand."
Gold Getter
Olympic Medalist Kathleen Baker's Next Goal: WAC
MARCH 5, 2025 BY MEGHAN CORBETT, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE GRAY
https://www.wilmamag.com/gold-getter/
WAC Spokesperson, Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist, former World Record Holder
and NC Swimming Hall of Fame 2024 Inductee, Kathleen Baker, was featured
in WILMA Leadership + Lifestyle Magazine
About The
Wilmington Aquatic Center
Location
Wilmington Aquatic Center (WAC) will be a World Class aquatics venue located in Wilmington, NC adjacent to I-40 at Murrayville Road near Laney High School in New Hanover County. WAC will be located in a highly desirable and visible I-40 location convenient to area beaches, downtown Wilmington, UNCW and the Wilmington airport. WAC will be built on Olsen Farm as the centerpiece of the Olsen Farm Recreation Village, which can accommodate Olympic-size 50-meter pools, parking and major events.
Mission
Wilmington Aquatic Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthen the community through aquatics by promoting safety, health and connection for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We prioritize drowning prevention thru swim instruction, building life-saving skills from beginners to lifeguards. WAC also will host world-class competitions that drive visibility and economic activity. More than recreation, WAC will be a hub for community well-being and regional vitality.
Drowning Prevention
Drowning is a silent crisis & preventable tragedy:
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Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4
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Drowning is the #2 cause of death for children ages 5-14
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Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children and adults with autism
Swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 88%
According to the CDC, access to swimming and swim lessons saves lives.
Learn More/Drowning Prevention
Drownings on the Rise. CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html
Drowning Prevention and Facts. Red Cross.
What Drowning Doesn't Look Like. Mayo Clinic.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-what-drowning-doesnt-look-like/
Association Between Swimming Lessons and Drowning in Childhood. NIH.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4151293/
Host World Class Competition AND Community Programs
POOLS: Indoor & outdoor Olympic-size 50m pools ** 25 yd Recreation Pool ** Therapy Pool ** Dive Well
EVENTS: County, State, Regional, National & International Swim Meets & Aquatic Competitions
COMMUNITY AQUATIC PROGRAMS: Swim Lessons for All Ages & Abilities ** Schools in Pools
Lifeguard & First Responder Courses ** Aquatic Physical Therapy
High School & Age Group Swim Teams, Masters Swimming & Triathlete Training
Water Aerobics Classes ** Adaptive Aquatics Programs
People
Public Aquatic Center for all people in Southeastern North Carolina.
Place Making
Place for instructional, recreational,
therapeutic & competitive swim programs.
Place for all ages, abilities, incomes & backgrounds to forge social connections &
community bonds.
Performance
WAC will be a hub for community well-being and regional vitality.
