Swimming for All Saves Lives
Wilmington
AQUATIC CENTER
About The
Wilmington Aquatic Center
Vision/Location
Wilmington Aquatic Center (WAC) addresses a long-standing need in Southeastern North Carolina to increase access to swimming in the region. WAC will be open to the public year-round, allowing individuals of all ages, abilities, incomes and backgrounds to enjoy the water safely, and foster the health, fitness and well-being of the whole community.
WAC will be located in Wilmington, NC adjacent to I-40 at Murrayville Road on Olsen Farm, on land being donated for WAC and ACCESS of Wilmington Inclusive Recreation Center. Currently in the design phase, WAC will feature indoor and outdoor 50 meter Olympic-size pools, dive well, therapy pool, recreation pool and splash pad.
Beyond its recreational and wellness benefits, WAC will serve as a valuable local and regional asset, contributing to the social and economic vibrancy of a fast-growing area. Now is the time for the Wilmington Aquatic Center.
Mission
Wilmington Aquatic Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide an instructional, therapeutic, recreational and competitive venue that promotes water safety, health and economic opportunities for all residents and visitors of New Hanover County, and the surrounding area. WAC’s primary mission is to increase access to swimming to prevent tragic drownings.
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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
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Almost 40 million adults can’t swim and have never taken a swim lesson.
According to the CDC, access to swimming and water safety lessons “can save lives.”
Learn More
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html
Vision Statement
A modern, multi-use Aquatic Center for the entire Wilmington community
An Aquatic Center for the public school system
An Aquatic Center for community-wide swim programs
An Aquatic Center for the training of lifeguards, first-responders and military personnel
An Aquatic Center for aquatic therapy
An Aquatic Center for high school swim teams, age group teams, masters swimmers and triathletes
People
An Aquatic Center for all people in Southeastern North Carolina.
Place Making
A place for instructional, recreational, therapeutic & competitive swim programs. A place for all ages, abilities, incomes & backgrounds. A place to strengthen social connections & community bonds.
Performance
A modern multi-use Aquatic Center. Enhance local & regional economy.
