Since stepping into his role as Reading School District’s Assistant Athletic Director for Aquatics in February 2024, Matt Lubas has led a period of significant growth for the district’s aquatics program.
With nearly 700 participants in swim lessons since last summer and increased demand for adult instruction, the program continues to expand to meet the needs of the community.
Group swim lessons for youth and adults launched at the Reading High School pool in summer 2024 and are offered during the summer, fall, and spring. The first spring session recently concluded, with the second session beginning soon. By the end of the full cycle—spanning summer 2024 through spring 2025—lessons spaces filled are expected to exceed 700, with 366 unique participants enrolled so far.
“We weren’t sure of the demand for swim lessons in our community, but classes filled immediately,” said Lubas. “We’re working to find and hire more staff, as nearly every session has reached capacity except for some advanced levels. We’re always looking for volunteers and instructors to help us meet the community’s needs.”
The latest evening youth lesson time aligns with adult lessons, allowing parents and children to take classes simultaneously. The RHS pool provides added flexibility and safety with a separated deep end. To further ensure safety, youth lessons are available for children ages five and up, with a platform placed in the pool for smaller children.
In addition to group lessons, the program offers private lessons by appointment, with expanded availability during the summer when district teams and groups use the pool less.
The aquatics program currently employs seven instructors, a lifeguard, and a supervisor, with staffing varying by season. Most staff members are high school students from Reading High School’s swimming and water polo teams. To meet growing demand, the district is actively recruiting additional instructors, lifeguards, and volunteers.
Lubas himself has stepped in to teach lessons due to the program’s popularity. “We want to continue building our pool of instructors so we can serve more families.”
Additionally, the program’s Lifeguard Prep Course, now in its second cycle, helps equip local students with the skills to pursue lifeguard certification. Running through April 10 at RKAA City Line High School, the course is free for RSD students and available to non-RSD students for $25. It provides hands-on experience and allows participants to determine if they are physically prepared for lifeguarding before pursuing full certification.
“We have had a good turnout in our lifeguard courses, and we are always looking for more lifeguards to add to our staff,” said Lubas. “It’s a great opportunity for high school students to gain experience while serving their community.”
For more information on the RSD Aquatics Program, its offerings, or to get involved, visit www.readingsd.org/o/rsd/page/aquatics or contact Matt Lubas at lubasm@readingsd.org.