On April 13, 1984, the University Activities Organization and the Student Recreation Center sponsored the first “Dive-In” movie where students could float in Cooper Pool in SRC provided innertubes while watching “Jaws” for only $1.50.
Other films shown throughout the year include a 3-D version of “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1987), and “Splash” in Cooper Pool. The Dive-In Movie events were later moved to Andrews pool where “The Perfect Storm” (2001), “Swimfan” (2003), “The Switch” (2011) were among the films shown, and “The Wedding Ringer” (2015).
The Outdoor Program began offering a flat water kayaking workshop during the Spring 2000 semester.
The workshop provided students with a chance to experience kayaking and learn basic skills in a controlled environment. In reference to the workshop, course instructor Bob Hull stated, “kayaking is a great, fun sport if the correct safety steps are learned.”
In 2005, five sessions were offered, and by early 2006, the SRC offered workshops twice a year.
Sam proudly posing in “his” new pool.University officials dedicate the Rec!
Dedication ceremonies were held on February 10, 1979 to celebrate the completion of the Student Recreation Center and to name the Samuel M. Cooper Pool.
The day’s events began shortly before noon, when guests first gathered on the balcony to enjoy a consommé appetizer followed by a luncheon in the Club Pool area. At the conclusion of the luncheon, the guests were directed to the activity center on the main level where the Student Recreation Center dedication ceremony was held at 1:30 PM.
Dr. Eakin, vice provost, began the ceremony by introducing each of the ribbon cutting participants. The ribbon cutters included University President Dr. Hollis A. Moore, Board of Trustees Chair John F. Lipaj, Board of Trustees member Albert Dyckes, and Undergraduate Student Representative Frank Aveni. Following the ribbon cutting, keys to the facility were presented to Student Recreation Center Director Ben McGuire and John F. Lipaj by Thomas T. K. Zung, architect, and Art Carter, representative of the general contractor, Mosser Construction Co. in Fremont, OH.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were directed to the Olympic-sized swimming pool area to take part in a ceremony commemorating the naming of the pool in honor of Dr. Samuel M. Cooper. During his career at BGSU, Dr. Cooper served as chairman of the Health and Physical Education Department and was also the University swim coach.
More than 100 of “Sam’s Swimmers” and divers attended the dedication ceremony, and were identified by orange signs around their necks containing their name, graduation year, and the words “here to dedicate Coach Sam Cooper Pool and real proud of it.” In addition, approximately 10 swimming coaches associated with Dr. Cooper were present.
Through the combined efforts of pledges and contributions from former swimmers and University alumni, the alumni scoreboard in the Cooper Pool area was purchased. About $28,000 in pledges and contributions were raised, allowing the University to purchase a scoreboard that was much more elaborate than what the Student Recreation Center budget would have allowed.
To begin the ceremony President Moore spoke about the importance of the pool from the standpoint of University administration. Next, Albert Dyckes shared his memories as a former student of Dr. Cooper. Tom Stubbs then spoke as a colleague and fellow swimming coach. Finally, Robert Frary spoke on behalf of the alumni and made a presentation of a facsimile of a plaque with the names of the people who donated to the Sam Cooper Scoreboard.
To conclude the ceremony Mr. Dyckes and Mr. Stubbs presented a plaque to Dr. Cooper, and Dr. Cooper gave a short speech. Known for never being at a loss for words, the planning committee noted in the event schedule that “if he [Dr. Cooper] exceeds that time [5 minutes], he will be pushed into the Pool.”
Larissa Leck, B.S. in Visual Communication Technology (2018)
Recreation and Wellness Lifeguarding Class Participant (2014)
The instructors were supportive and encouraging to everyone and gave us the confidence needed to try our best and succeed.
I have been swimming since childhood and as my high school swim career was winding down, I decided to take the step of becoming a lifeguard. Taking the certification class at the Rec helped me achieve that goal quickly and successfully.
Although I was a little nervous to sign up for the class, after all the requirements stated that all participants had to retrieve a brick from the bottom of the deep end of the pool, the instructors were supportive and encouraging to everyone and gave us the confidence needed to try our best and succeed with the both the practical and written skills portions of the tests.
In the lifeguarding class we learned everything from basic pool and water safety to life-saving skills. We were in the pool part of the time, practicing and learning from each other by stepping through scenarios, and in a class room at other times, watching informational videos and learning dry land rescue techniques. We practiced first aid, CPR, and water rescues to the point where everyone memorized the procedures and steps to take in the event of an emergency, and I was able to pass the Red Cross test with flying colors.
Because of the quality instructors, I learned by example, not just how to perform the skills, but also how to teach them. I have been able to assist at the pool where I work in training newly certified lifeguards being responsible for overall pool safety and first aid. Even if I wasn’t working as a guard or at a pool, I’d be glad to have gained this important set of skills so that I am prepared to save a life if I ever encounter a situation where I am needed.
In addition to acquiring a lifeguarding certification at BGSU, I also completed a Water Safety Instructor Course. This class was conducted in a blended format of online and in-person classes and because of this qualification, I am able to conduct and lead learn-to-swim lessons for the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation department.
Certification courses are offered to students, faculty/staff, and community members and are conducted by American Red Cross certified instructors. Participants must be at least 15 years old.
Basic First Aid Full Course
Basic First Aid teaches participants the knowledge and skills necessary to give basic first aid care in an emergency situation and help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. This certification is required for all Recreation and Wellness student employees and various other positions on campus. There are no prerequisites. This certification is valid for 2 years.
CPR for the Professional Rescuer with AED
Full Course
The CPR with AED for the Professional Rescuer teaches participants to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants; use an AED on an adult or child victim of cardiac arrest; and use personal protective equipment to stop bloodborne pathogens and other diseases from spreading. There are no prerequisites. This certification is valid for 2 years. Pocket mask is included.
Review Course
The CPR with AED challenge is a re-certification course that renews the CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer certification for 2 years. Pocket mask is NOT included. Review is recommended prior to class attendance as challenge courses do not cover all material outlined in the manual.
Lifeguard Training
Full Course
This Lifeguard/First Aid and CPR/AED certification is valid for 2 years. Pocket mask included. Women must wear a one-piece suit, and men must wear draw string swim trunks. Attendance in all four sessions is required.
Review Course
The Lifeguard challenge is a re-certification course for individuals who are looking to renew their Lifeguard certification. To take this course, participants must hold a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certification and pass skills and exam with no review. This course renews Lifeguard/First Aid and CPR/AED certification for 2 years. Pocket mask is NOT included. Review is recommended prior to class attendance as challenge courses do not cover all material outlined in the manual.
For complete schedule and pricing visit the website.
Other films shown throughout the year include a 3-D version of “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1987), and “Splash” in Cooper Pool. The Dive-In Movie events were later moved to Andrews pool where “The Perfect Storm” (2001), “Swimfan” (2003), “The Switch” (2011) were among the films shown, and “The Wedding Ringer” (2015).
