Pooches Get the Final Swim of the Season at Park Forest Community Pool’s Paws-A-Pool-Ooza

The doggy paddle was the stroke of choice Sunday afternoon at Park Forest Community Pool.

Dogs of all sizes splashed through the water and chased toys during Paws-A-Pool-Ooza, Centre Region Parks and Recreation’s end-of-season swim for four-legged friends.

Starting at 1 p.m., dogs were divided into three swim groups by weight — up to 25 pounds, 26 to 50 pounds and more than 50 pounds —with each class getting 30 minutes in the pool. Admission was $5 per dog, while humans entered for free.

From Pomeranians to golden retrievers, four-legged swimmers of all shapes and sizes were welcome to attend with proof of licensing and vaccinations and a completed waiver.

Event organizer Todd Roth, an aquatics specialist who has worked with CRPR for 25 years, said the pool has hosted the dog swim for about a decade, typically drawing around 100 dogs each year.

“It’s really just a day of joy for us,” said Roth, who owns a Lab-husky mix and two Weimaraners. “Most people are grateful to have the opportunity to have a place for their dog to swim.”

The dog swim is held after the pool closes for the season, allowing staff to prepare the water for the dogs and begin winterizing the facility afterward. Before the event, staff lowered the pool’s chlorine levels to make the water safer for dogs that may swallow it or have skin sensitivities, Roth said.

“We try to make the water a little more natural, if we can,” Roth said.

Dogs are also divided into weight groups for safety, keeping smaller dogs separated from larger ones.

Stephanie Varner, who brought her Pomeranian, Gemma, said they have attended the event for about four years. Gemma already enjoys puddles, creeks and lakes, but Varner said the pool gives her more open space to swim.

The organized setting, she added, also makes it easier for dogs to interact than at a lake, where owners may have less control over introductions. Dividing the dogs by weight made her feel more comfortable bringing Gemma.

“I would not come if it was any other way,” Varner said.

Lifeguards remained on duty throughout the event, including Felicity Jacoby, a 16-year-old State College Area High School student who brought her 13-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Hank, to his first Paws-A-Pool-Ooza.

Although Hank was small enough to swim during the event’s first weight group, Jacoby said he carries himself differently.

“He has a big-dog mindset,” she said.

Hank used to swim frequently when her family lived in Florida and spent much of Sunday paddling around the pool.

“I think it’s good just to bring dogs and people together,” Jacoby said. “I think it’s actually really good that they do it.”

Jenny Lichty brought her 6-month-old long-haired miniature dachshund, Rocky, to the event for his first swim.

“This is his first time,” Lichty said. “It seems like he’s a little cautious about it. He seems to be motivated by other dogs being in the water and tennis balls. He seems to like the tennis balls.”

Lichty said her family has attended Paws-A-Pool-Ooza four times, including each of the past three years. She planned to return later in the afternoon with River, her 2-year-old golden retriever, and Forest, her 5-year-old golden retriever, for the larger-dog swim session.

“I think it’s a great option to get your dogs swimming, whether they’re veteran swimmers or first-time swimmers,” Lichty said. “Like I said, it’s very safe, and it’s nice just to have the dogs be able to socialize and have a good time. It’s definitely worth it.”

Kaitlyn Charmbury brought her children and their 9-month-old Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, Sage, to the event for Sage’s first time swimming.

“We weren’t sure because her breed is a swimming-style dog, but she’s very nervous,” Charmbury said. “I think it’s more so just the new environment and all the dogs.”

Charmbury said she hopes to continue introducing Sage to the water as she gets older.

“We’ll expose her to more water as she gets a little older, and hopefully she’ll enjoy swimming,” Charmbury said. “We want to create good experiences for her.”

Charmbury said she was also surprised by how much room the dogs had despite the turnout.

“I didn’t know how many dogs were going to be here, and I feel like everyone kind of has their own space,” Charmbury said. “It’s not too crowded, so it’s really nice.”

For Charmbury, another part of the fun was simply watching the dogs.

“Seeing all the dogs,” Charmbury said. “Watching them swim and collect their balls in the water, and all the different shapes and sizes. They’re very cute.”

Roth said his favorite part is watching the dogs that become completely absorbed in the water.

“There are some dogs that, once they get in, they don’t want to get out,” he said.

With temperatures hovering in the mid-70s under the afternoon sun, Roth estimated about 100 dogs attended this year, though he said he would have to do a final count. Some people also came without dogs just to watch the event.

After the final dogs leave the pool, staff will begin winterizing the facility. The pool will be drained and cleaned in the spring before reopening for swimmers.

All proceeds from Paws-A-Pool-Ooza benefit CRPR’s youth scholarship program.