Swim clubs throughout Delaware County open their doors to everyone during the summer, turning them into community centers, writes Kevin Tustin for the Delaware County News Network.

Beginning with Memorial Day weekend, swim clubs become safe havens that unite neighbors, friends, and newcomers to the community.

Primos-Secane Swim Club President Patti McNally said that for the duration of the summer, “it fits into the community; it’s needed.”

They are, however, not as popular as they were in the past. While there are still dozens of swim clubs across the county, a number of them have closed, including those in Darby, Collingdale, Sharon Hill, and Glenolden.

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“It’s battle of the pools right now,” said McNally. “People are putting all of their money into different things.”

With children participating in other sports much sooner than they used to, pool membership has started to see a significant decline.

“The best part of local swim clubs is that people get to forget about the everyday stresses of their lives and just enjoy time with people that they want to connect with,” said Swarthmore Swim Club General Manager Kevin Haney.

Read more about poolside summers from the Delaware County News Network by clicking here.

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