The Nile Swim Club in Yeadon, the nation’s first African-American-owned swim club, survived foreclosure four years ago only to see membership dop during the pandemic, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Membership dipped before vaccines were available but the pool rebounded in the summer of 2021.

Now, with COVID still lurking in Delaware County, Nile and other local swim clubs hope to repeat a successful season this summer.

The Nile has more than 1,000 members, the most it has ever recorded in recent history.

Lansdowne Swim Club had 65 new members before May 1, said manager Tara Burke, the first time that has happened.

Delco’s swim clubs have returned to pre-pandemic social events and are expanding or improving amenities.

Splash Surf Club in Marple, which opened in 2019, opens this weekend with a new adult pool, new kids’ pool, new lawn game area and more rental cabanas.

Broomall’s Rose Tree Woods Swim Club membership is full for summer 2022.

“COVID taught everybody something. Most people have prioritized work-life balance and they’ve made more time for family time,” said club President president Meghan Thomer.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about this summer’s swim club activity in Delaware County and the region.