Dear Members,

As published in the Valley News by Patrick O’Grady, February 7, 2026

We’re excited to share that Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) has proposed a new initiative to help revive competitive swimming and boost aquatic participation in the Claremont swim program.

Raising the Bar

At the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC), we believe that behind every great swimmer is a knowledgeable, dedicated, and professional coach. That is why we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for our program: our entire UVAC Swim Team coaching staff has achieved 100% ASCA Membership!

Give the Gift of Water Safety This Holiday Season


Support the Holiday Lifesaver Match Campaign at UVAC

Every year in the United States, thousands of children are touched by unintentional drownings — a tragedy that often could be prevented with early swim education and water safety skills. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and remains one of the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, after motor vehicle crashes.. 

The Magic of Swimming Lessons in Middle Age

I’ve never been a good swimmer.

I mean, I can swim. But what I do in a pool feels more like a battle for survival than a workout — especially after the first few laps. My legs are too long, my stroke is uneven and I constantly struggle to get a decent breath.

At Upper Valley Aquatic Center, water safety is our top priority. As we head into the busy summer swim season, it's important to understand the real risks—and how we can work together to prevent them.

UVAC is proud to announce that two of its top athletes, Iris Freeman and Hugh Hawkins, have officially signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Iris Freeman, a senior at Hanover High School, has committed to swim at Colby College, a prestigious NCAA Division III institution in Waterville, Maine. Iris has been swimming competitively for over nine years, with the past three as a valued member of the UVAC swim team. Her dedication, positive spirit, and steady improvement have made her a standout among her peers.

The Upper Valley Aquatic Center (UVAC) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Ian Quinn as its new Head Swim Coach. Quinn brings a wealth of experience and a history of success to the program, having most recently served as the Associate Head Coach at the University of North Carolina Asheville.

What Our Guard Staff Have to Say About Their Important Job

When we give the gift of service it can help us feel content, knowing the difference we are making. Our lifeguards give this gift every time they grab their whistle, put on their bright red shirt, and begin the constant scan of the pool. We spoke to several members of the aquatics staff here at Upper Valley Aquatic Center to get their perspective on the work they do, their motivations, and their safety tips.

10 Hidden Benefits of Swimming

1. Swimming Improves Social Well Being

Swimming is very much a social sport. Swimmers of all ages can take classes together, train together, or work with a coach in the pool. Even if you have a pool at home, it is where you gather with your friends and family. A study revealed exercising and socializing together leads to improved mental health. Participants in the study had lower levels of anxiety and depression than their peers did.