2024 Toddler/Infant & Me

Swim Lessons
Ages: 9 months to 3 years

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Please note: Sign-ups will not begin until Sign-up Day on Saturday, April 13, at Bella Vista Recreation Center from 10 am to 12 pm. After this date, please call or come by Bella Vista Recreation Center to check for openings.

An adult in the water must always accompany each child.
Children who are not toilet trained need to wear a swim diaper. Swim diapers can be purchased at the pool if necessary.

Rates: Members: $75 (tax included) per session

• One Morning Session will be offered at Metfield Pool
• Two Evening Sessions will be offered at Kingsdale Pool
• Each class will be limited to 6 child/adult pairs.
• Sessions will be held Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a weather-related make-up day.

Metfield Pool
1 Hilltop Drive, Bella Vista
Instructor: Taylor Robinson

Morning Session Monday through Thursday, June 10-13
Instructor: Taylor Robinson Toddler/Infant & Me 10:30 am – 11:00 am

Kingsdale Pool
1 Riordan Drive, Bella Vista
Instructor: Lisa Richards

Evening Sessions Monday through Thursday, June 17-20
Instructor: Lisa Richards Toddler/Infant & Me 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Toddler/Infant & Me 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

2024 Kingsdale Swim Lessons

1 Riordan Drive, Bella Vista
Instructor: Lisa Richards/Taylor Lee
Members pay $75 (tax included) per session.

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Please note: Sign-ups will not begin until Sign-up Day on Saturday, April 13, at Bella Vista Recreation Center from 10 am to 12 pm. After this date, please call or come by Bella Vista Recreation Center to check for openings.

Three evening swimming lessons sessions will be offered at Kingsdale Pool during the swimming season. Sessions will be held Monday-Thursday, with Friday being weather-related make-up day. Lessons will be 30-minute time slots with five students per session/level. If necessary, the instructor will schedule and confirm weather-related make-up. Children must be at least three years of age to participate in these lessons.

Level 1 (beginner)

For children uncomfortable in water and/or have had no prior lessons. Recommended for beginner swimmers.

Skills Learned: Submerge entire head in water for 5 seconds; enter either side/steps; jump in from the side to the instructor; learn kick for the crawl stroke, gliding, and streamline introduction.

Level 2 (intermediate)

For children who have completed Level 1 or have adapted to being comfortable in the water while mastering Level 1 skills.

Skills Learned: Enter the pool in shoulder-deep water and return to the side, streamline swim for 5 ft, glide on front and back for 5 ft, perfect finning, claw stroke 5 ft, retrieve items from the bottom of the pool, jump in deep water, back crawl, turn from front to back in float, tread for 20 seconds and elementary breaststroke.

Level 3 (advanced)

Stroke Development
Objective: To continue building on level 2 skills through additional guided practice.
Requirements: Students entering this level must have completed Level 2 skills or demonstrate all the Level 2 skills. Skills Covered: Jump into deep water, headfirst entry from sitting or kneeling, submerging and retrieving an object from 5 feet of water, bobbing, survival float for 30 seconds, treading water for 30 seconds, front crawl 15 yards, butterfly 15 feet, back crawl 15 yards and surface dive.

Session 1

Monday through Thursday
June 10-13
Instructor: Taylor Lee

Beginner          5:00 – 5:30 pm
Intermediate   5:30 – 6:00 pm
Advanced        6:00- 6:30 pm
Beginner          6:30 – 7:00 pm

Session 2

Monday through Thursday
June 17-20
Instructor: Lisa Richards

Beginner         6:00 – 6:30 pm
Intermediate 6:30 -7:00 pm

Session 3  

Monday through Thursday
July 8-11
Instructor: Taylor Lee

Beginner          5:00 – 5:30 pm
Intermediate   5:30 – 6:00 pm
Advanced        6:00- 6:30 pm
Beginner          6:30 – 7:00 pm

Register for lessons at Bella Vista Recreation Center, 3 Riordan Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72715. All lesson fees must be paid in full, and a liability waiver must be signed upon registration to hold a spot. The cancellation policy is as follows: must give 48-hour notice before the start of the session to receive 50% of payment—no refund given for no-shows.

Bella Vista Recreation Center telephone number: (479) 855-8170

2024 Metfield Swim Lessons

1 Hilltop Drive, Bella Vista
Instructor: Taylor Robinson
Members pay $75 (tax included) per session.

Please note: Sign-ups will not begin until Sign-up Day on Saturday, April 13, at Bella Vista Recreation Center from 10 am to 12 pm. After this date, please call or come by Bella Vista Recreation Center to check for openings.

Four-morning swimming lessons will be offered at Metfield Pool. Sessions will be held Monday-Thursday morning, with Friday being weather-related make-up day. Lessons will be in 30-minute time slots with five students per session/level. Weather-related make-ups, if necessary, will be scheduled and confirmed by the instructor. Children must be at least three years of age to participate in these lessons.

Download Document

Level 1 (beginner)

For children uncomfortable in water and/or have had no prior lessons. Recommended for beginner swimmers.

Skills Learned: Submerge entire head in water for 5 seconds; enter either side/steps; jump in from the side to the instructor; learn kick for the crawl stroke, gliding, and streamline introduction.

Level 2 (intermediate)

For children who have completed Level 1 or have adapted to being comfortable in the water while mastering Level 1 skills.

Skills Learned: Enter the pool in shoulder-deep water and return to the side, streamline swim for 5 ft, glide on front and back for 5 ft, perfect finning, claw stroke 5 ft, retrieve items from the bottom of the pool, jump in deep water, back crawl, turn from front to back in float, tread for 20 seconds and elementary breaststroke.

Level 3 (advanced)

Stroke Development
Objective: To continue building on level 2 skills through additional guided practice.
Requirements: Students entering this level must have completed Level 2 skills or demonstrate all the Level 2 skills. Skills Covered: Jump into deep water, headfirst entry from sitting or kneeling, submerging and retrieving an object from 5 feet of water, bobbing, survival float for 30 seconds, treading water for 30 seconds, front crawl 15 yards, butterfly 15 feet, back crawl 15 yards and surface dive.

Session 1

Monday through Thursday, June 3-6
Beginner        9:00 – 9:30 am
Intermediate 9:30 – 10:00 am
Advanced       10:00 – 10:30 am
Beginner         10:30 – 11:00 am

Session 2

Monday through Thursday, June 17-20
Beginner         6:00 – 6:30 pm
Intermediate 6:30 -7:00 pm

Session 3  

Monday through Thursday, July 8-11
Beginner        9:00 – 9:30 am
Intermediate 9:30 – 10:00 am
Advanced        10:00 – 10:30 am
Beginner         10:30 – 11:00 am

Session 4

Monday through Thursday, July 8-11
Beginner         9:00 – 9:30 am
Intermediate 9:30 – 10:00 am
Advanced        10:00 – 10:30 am
Beginner         10:30 – 11:00 am

Register for lessons at Bella Vista Recreation Center, 3 Riordan Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72715. All lesson fees must be paid in full, and a liability waiver must be signed upon registration to hold a spot. The cancellation policy is as follows: must give 48-hour notice before the start of the session to receive 50% of payment—no refund given for no-shows.

Bella Vista Recreation Center telephone number: (479) 855-8170

Click Here to Download Brochure

1. POA Members must carry their POA-issued Activity Card or Member Card to present to a POA Lakes & Parks Ranger when requested. Children age 6 years and older, must have in their possession, or their parent’s possession, a POA-issued membership card. Members can request Guest Passes through Member Resources or by submitting a Guest Pass request form which is available on the POA’s website (bellavistapoa.com/members). Guests of POA Members who are not physically accompanied by a member, age 6 years and older, MUST have a POA Guest Pass with them and pay a daily use fee as noted in the annual Fee Schedule. The daily use fee for unaccompanied Guests should be paid in advance at Member Resources (479-855-8000, opt. 2).
2. The POA is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, personal property while on common property.
3. POA Members and guests using any of the common properties, do so at their own risk. Members are responsible for their guests. Violations may result in loss of membership privileges.
4. All trash must be deposited in the proper containers. All dogs must be on a leash and dog waste must be picked up and disposed of properly.
5. No open fires will be permitted, except in POA provided cookers, self-contained grills, or fire rings.
6. Fish cleaning stations are provided at various locations on Bella Vista lakes. All fish remains should be deposited into the lake, except at London Landing on Lake Windsor. Additionally, at some lake locations a bucket has been provided for fish remains. Fish remains shall NOT be disposed of in trash receptacles.
7. Overnight camping or sleeping is prohibited at parks, lakes, and trailheads, with the exception that camping and RVing is allowed at Blowing Springs Park with reservations (479-855-8075).
8. Fireworks may not be used on POA common property without the express permission of the POA.

Additional information on boating laws and responsibilities can be found on the website for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (agfc.com).

LAKE REGULATIONS

1. ALL WATERCRAFT MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE POA. Watercraft includes, but is not limited to, hard-bottomed or inflatable boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. A current POA issued Activity Card is required for annual registration of watercraft with the POA.
2. An annual POA watercraft registration shall be obtained by presenting a current Boat Registration Certificate from the state of Arkansas, or any other state provided it is current, at Member Resources and paying the appropriate POA registration fee. Annual POA watercraft registration stickers shall be obtained from Member Resources and must be affixed adjacent to the state issued Validation Decals on both sides of the watercraft. Soft bottom or inflatable kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards have the option to attach the annual POA watercraft registration sticker to a small plastic or metal placard, which can then be attached to the kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board. Watercraft trailers shall have the current year’s POA stickers attached to each side of the frame neck. Individuals without a trailer, but using the lakes, shall have the current year’s POA sticker attached to the back window of their vehicle in the bottom left corner. Any watercraft located, moored, stored, or operated on or above any POA lake or its adjacent shorelines must have a current year POA registration sticker properly displayed on or before March 31 of each year. Violators identified by POA Lakes & Parks Rangers shall be assessed a late penalty fee of 10 percent of the annual registration fee or $5 per month following the March 31st deadline, whichever is higher. It is the registrant’s responsibility to be familiar with local, state, federal, and Bella Vista laws and regulations.
3. Weekly and monthly watercraft registrations (temporary passes) are available to persons holding a POA issued Activity Card, Member Card, or Guest Pass. Fees are defined on the Fee Schedule and permits are available at Member Resources and The Marina at Lakepoint. Weekly and monthly permits shall be displayed in the towing vehicles windshield on the driver’s side and a copy must be carried on the watercraft.
4. All towing vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas. Please be courteous so that other members can launch or re-trailer their watercraft.
5. When a POA registered watercraft is sold, the seller must advise Member Resources within five business days of the sale. The seller must remove all POA stickers before transfer. If the new owner is a POA Member, they must register the watercraft in the proper name with Member Resources, within five business days.
6. Any person scuba diving or snorkeling must have another person on the surface to warn watercrafts that there are divers below in the area. The Diver Down flag must also be displayed in the diving area.
7. Personal watercraft are prohibited on all POA lakes, unless otherwise stated as being allowed. Personal watercraft means a vessel less than sixteen feet (16′) in length propelled by a water jet pump or other machinery as its primary source of motor propulsion and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling thereon rather than being operated by a person sitting or standing inside the vessel.

a). Personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, Sea-Doos, and other similar types of personal watercraft are prohibited on all POA lakes.

b). Personal watercraft such as motorized surfboards, e-foils, hydrofoils, and other similar types of personal watercraft are prohibited on all POA lakes.

c). The watersports industry continues to invent new and different types of personal watercraft and it is challenging to list every type of personal watercraft that is prohibited. Therefore, unless a personal watercraft is expressly stated as being allowed in these regulations, then the personal watercraft is prohibited.

d). Exception. Motorized personal watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards are allowed on all POA lakes, provided they travel no faster than 5 miles per hour. The 5 miles per hour restriction includes areas of Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Loch Lomond where a wake is otherwise allowed.

8. Additional restrictions on all POA lakes.

a). Seaplanes are prohibited on all POA lakes.

b). Watercraft which provides permanent sleeping facilities, are constructed with a permanently enclosed kitchen for food preparation or are constructed with a bath or toilet facilities, are prohibited on all POA lakes.

c). Motorized watercraft measuring 26 feet in length or longer (Class II boats), are prohibited on all POA Lakes. Any motorized watercraft registered with the POA as of December 31, 2020, that is 26 feet in length or longer will be allowed to continue to renew their annual registration until the watercraft is sold, provided the POA annual registration never lapses.

9. Swim at your own risk. We encourage the buddy system while swimming in Bella Vista lakes. When a swimmer is more than 100 feet from the shore or a watercraft, the swimmer must be towing a lightweight float with a flag attached so they are visible to the operators of watercrafts in the area. Proper swimming attire is required. Children twelve years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
10. On Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Loch Lomond, watercraft that stop and have individuals swimming by the watercraft are encouraged to take advantage of the “no wake” zones of the lakes. Swimming is discouraged in the section of the lake where water skiing and the towing of individuals is allowed, even when the swimming takes place close to a stopped watercraft. Swimming is allowed near docks and within 100 feet of the shoreline.
11. When a watercraft is towing a person or persons, the watercraft must turn left when retrieving the person or persons after they have fallen into the water. Watercraft must allow for a safe distance when following a watercraft that is towing a person or persons. Persons being towed can fall unexpectedly. Therefore, observe caution by maintaining a safe distance of at least 200 feet from the watercraft in front of you.
12. Watercraft may not travel faster than 5 miles per hour nor may they create a wake in zones marked as “no wake”. The following lakes are considered “no wake” lakes: Lake Avalon, Lake Brittany, Lake Norwood, and Lake Rayburn.
13. Waterskiing, tubing, wake boating, and other similar activities are permitted only on Lake Windsor, Lake Ann, and Loch Lomond, but only in the main body of these lakes. “No wake” and “no ski” zones are strictly enforced as designated by “no wake” and “no ski” buoy markers. Consistent with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, water skiers, tubers, wake boarders, or others utilizing similar devices or engaging in similar activity, shall be towed in a counterclockwise rotation. When a watercraft is towing a person or persons on any type of ski, tube, wake board, or other similar device or activity, or they are “surfing” behind the watercraft, the watercraft shall use a red or orange ski flag measuring no less than 12 inches on each side, in the shape of a square or rectangle, mounted or displayed in such a manner as to be visible from every direction.
14. Safety Education Classes: The watercraft registration fee will be discounted upon receipt of certification from an approved boating safety class. For information about approved classes, contact the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission at www. agfc.com. Discounts will not be given on temporary permits or pro-rated fees of less than $20. Safe boating classes are offered through the POA typically during the spring. Please contact the Lakes Supervisor at (479) 855-5068 to get information regarding upcoming classes.
15. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission requires anyone born on or after 1/1/1986 to have a boating education certificate from an approved Arkansas Game & Fish Commission safe boating course or an equivalent certificate by another state from a boating education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The safe boating classes offered through the POA meet the NASBLA requirement.
16. In 2018, a federal law was enacted requiring that watercraft manufacturers, dealers, and distributors ensure that watercrafts of 26 feet or less overall and whose engines are capable of more than 115 pounds of thrust be outfitted with an engine cut off switch.
17. Between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, all watercrafts must have lighting sufficient to make their presence and location known to other vessels. The required lights are:

• • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of one mile away on a dark, clear night.
  • An all-round white light and a stern light. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.
  • For kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards, if the above lighting requirements are not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light.

18. Trapping of animals on common property is prohibited without written authorization from the POA for removal of nuisance wildlife as permitted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Submit requests to the POA Lakes & Parks department for approval.

FISHING

1. To fish on Bella Vista lakes, POA Members must have a current POA issued Activity Card or Member Card. Guests physically accompanied by a member (with ID noted above) do not pay a daily fee. Guests that are unaccompanied must have a POA Guest Pass and pay the appropriate lake use fee as noted on the fee schedule.
2. Anyone, 16 or older, fishing on any lake in Bella Vista must have a current Arkansas fishing license. You must have in your possession either a fishing license or a photo of your fishing license on your mobile device.
3. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission regulations and harvest limits apply to all Bella Vista waters. The POA Fisheries staff and Lakes JAC recommends the following (subject to change):

• • Largemouth – Lake Brittany: Catch and Release. All other Lakes: Limit of 10 per day. Harvest of 10–13-inch fish encouraged. Return any fish over 15 inches.
  • Bluegill/Redear Sunfish: 15 per day in combination.
  • Catfish (Channel and Blue) – Limit of 6 per day.
  • Crappie – Limit of 10 per day. Must be 10 inches or more.
  • Walleye/Saugeye – Limit of 4 per day. Must be 18 inches or more.
  • Hybrid Striped Bass – Limit of 2 per day. Must be 18 inches or more.
  • Grass Carp – Please harvest.
  • Trout – The combined daily limit of all trout species is five, and only one of those fish may be longer than 14 inches.

4. Jug fishing (free-floating fishing device) is limited to the hours of darkness only. All jugs, limb lines, mechanical devices (yo- yo’s) and trotlines shall prominently display the Member’s name, phone number, address, and current driver’s license number or current vehicle tag number. Guests of a Member and public visitors are prohibited from jug fishing.
5. Fishing Tournaments and other events must be approved and scheduled in advance with the POA Lakes & Parks Department. An annual tournament/event schedule is established each year; however, additions may be made later if the schedule allows.

WATERCRAFT REGULATIONS

1. General regulation: Operation of a watercraft at such a rate of speed as to create hazardous wake or wash upon approaching or passing watercraft or upon other watercraft, shores, dams, docks, or other structures is prohibited. Watercraft operators are responsible for any damage caused by their watercraft’s wake.
2. Children 12 and younger may not operate a watercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower except under the direct and audible supervision of a parent, guardian, or other person 17 or older.
3. Operation of a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Arkansas law, pursuant to alcoholic beverages and open containers, applies to watercrafts, as well as motor vehicles. The Bella Vista lakes have a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcoholic beverages.
4. All watercraft are encouraged to follow a counterclockwise rotation when cruising the lakes, whether the watercraft is towing a skier or not. Similar to the rules of the road, watercraft should travel on the righthand side of the lake.
5. Swimmers are encouraged to stay in no-wake zones. Wake zones can be hazardous for swimming, which includes swimming close to a moored/floating watercraft or with a flotation device near a moored/floating watercraft. Swimming and other activities in a wake zone where watercraft are allowed to travel at speed is inherently dangerous. Such activity is recommended to take place in “no wake” zones of the lakes. “No wake” zones include areas 100-feet from the shoreline, plus certain designated lakes, and coves. This recommendation does not apply to water skiers, wake surfers, or those towed behind a watercraft on a tube or other towable equipment.
6. Water skiing and tubing – Operation of a watercraft with the intention of pulling a water skier(s) or towing an individual(s) on a tube, mat, or other towable equipment is prohibited within 200 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, kayak, boat, shoreline, dam intake structure or other obstruction. Operation of a watercraft with the intention of pulling a water skier(s) or towing an individual(s) on a tube, or other towable equipment are required to operate their watercraft in a counterclockwise rotation within the zones designated for this type of activity.
7. Wake boats

a) The operation of a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake is prohibited and the use of which will not be allowed on any Bella Vista POA lake, with the exception of Loch Lomond, Lake Windsor, and Lake Ann.

b) Operation of a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake is prohibited within 200 feet of a designated recreation area, dock, pier, raft, float, kayak, boat, shoreline, dam intake structure or other obstruction.

c) Provided the watercraft complies with the above two regulations, when operating a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake, if the watercraft is using a wedge or other similar device to create an enlarged wake, the wedge (or other similar device) must be positioned to direct the enlarged wake toward the center of the lake.

d) Those operating a watercraft with the intention of creating an enlarged wake are required to operate their watercraft in a counterclockwise rotation within the zones designated for this type of activity.

e) The definition of wake boating includes, but is not limited to, the following: the use of devices, equipment or placement of passengers onboard for the purpose of creating an enlarged wake; devices and equipment used to create an enlarged wake include, but are not limited to: exterior panels, wings, or wedges deployed underwater; rubberized, plastic or metal tanks, chests or bags filled with any material; crowding of passengers to the rear; inside-the-hull water tanks; or boat hulls designed specifically to enhance the wake.

1. Swimmers are encouraged to stay in no-wake zones. Wake zones can be hazardous for swimming, which includes swimming close to a moored/floating watercraft or with a flotation device near a moored/floating watercraft. Swimming and other activities in a wake zone where watercraft are allowed to travel at speed is inherently dangerous. Such activity is recommended to take place in no-wake zones of the lakes. No-wake zones include areas 100-feet from the shoreline, plus certain designated lakes, and coves. This recommendation does not apply to water skiers, wake surfers, or those towed behind a watercraft on a tube or other towable equipment.
2. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

a) All watercrafts must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.

b) In addition to the above requirement, one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable PFD must be on board watercraft that are 16 feet or longer.

c) Children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD securely fastened to their persons at all times while on any watercraft.

d) Each person being towed or surfing behind a watercraft on water skis, an aquaplane, wakeboard, or other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.

e) Besides being U.S. Coast Guard approved, all PFDs must be:

• • In good and serviceable condition.
  • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.
  • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.

10. Operation of any watercraft, water skis, wakeboards, or similar devices in a reckless or negligent manner that endangers any person, shore, or structure is prohibited. If you see a problem, please report it immediately.

a ) To report violations or request a POA Lakes & Parks Ranger, call (479) 876-9581. POA Lakes & Parks Rangers are vested with final authority for the interpretation and enforcement of these water crafting regulations.

b ) After hours, contact the Bella Vista Police Department at (479) 855-3771 or (479) 855-8030.

c) To report any Arkansas Game and Fish Commission violations, call (800) 482-9262 or the Bella Vista Police Department at (479) 855-3771 or (479) 855-8030.

d) For information on lakes and parks, contact the Lakes and Parks Department at (479) 855-5068.

PERTINENT INFORMATION FOR EACH LAKE

ANN – All-sport Lake. Boat launching ramp located off of Windemere Lane.

LOCH LOMOND-All-sport Lake. Launching ramps located off of Stoneykirk Drive, at

Tiree Park, and at Granton Park. Marina (479-855-8182), bait & tackle shop and boat & kayak rentals located off of Marina Drive, near Lakepoint Restaurant. Fishing is allowed at the fishing dock at the Marina. Shoreline fishing is not allowed at Lakepoint Restaurant.

WINDSOR – All-sport Lake. Launching ramps located off of London Drive and at the dam off of Cannock Lane. Kayaks/canoes can be launched at Pontoon Park off of Chelsea.

AVALON – Covered picnic area, beach, and launching ramp off Camden Road. Enclosed and heated fishing dock on the dam located off of Tamworth Circle. Seasonal rental of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

BRITTANY – Launching ramp at the dam off of Ashwell Lane.

NORWOOD – Launching ramp located at the dam off of Memorial Drive, behind Harps Food Store.

RAYBURN – Launching ramp located on the dam at Lakeside Drive.