As we eagerly anticipate the warmth and joy of summer, Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center is excited to announce a series of updates and improvements designed to enhance the experience of all our guests in the 2024 season. Our commitment to safety, enjoyment, and community well-being has guided us in refining our offerings, ensuring that all visitors to Rosedale Rapids have a positive experience.

Embracing safety with a refreshed life jacket policy

Safety is our top priority, and with that in mind, we’ve updated our life jacket policy to better accommodate our swimmers. This season, we welcome the use of approved flotation devices, including puddle jumpers, Coast Guard-certified life jackets, and medically necessary flotation aids in all pools, with the exception of the deep end/diving well of the lap pool. This change aims to foster a safer, more inclusive swimming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities. It’s important to note, however, that the “within arm’s reach” policy will continue to be enforced. This means that all children, regardless of the flotation device used, must remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian at all times, ensuring their utmost safety in the water.

Dive into fitness and fun

-Messenger file photo
Tanner Nelson, front left, trains life guards at Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center before their first day of the summer in June 2020. The facility has announced a series of updates and improvements designed to enhance the experience of the guests in the 2024 season.

Rosedale Rapids is thrilled to offer an expanded array of fitness pass options for the 2024 season, designed to accommodate individuals and families alike. Our offerings include:

Fitness Pass ($85): Grants access to all fitness hours, including morning and evening sessions for lazy river water walking and lap swimming.

Additional Member ($60): Allows adding a household member (aged 16+) to a standard fitness pass.

Fitness Plus Pass ($120): Includes all fitness hours plus aquacise classes, offering comprehensive fitness opportunities throughout the season.

Enhanced swim lessons program

This year, our swim lessons have been restructured to provide more levels, accommodate larger classes, and facilitate private lessons more effectively. With lessons held twice a week and two four-week sessions available, we’re committed to providing a thorough and enriching learning experience for all participants. Stay tuned for enrollment announcements to secure a spot in this improved program.

Introducing Family Swim Nights

New to this season are our Family Swim Nights, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. At just $4 per person, or an immediate family up to six for $15, these evenings are an affordable way for families to enjoy the pool together. A guardian aged 18+ must accompany and supervise children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

Customizable household season passes

Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we’ve restructured our Household Season Passes for greater flexibility and value. Starting at $240 for up to four members, with the option to add additional children or full-time post-secondary students for $15/person, these passes are designed to provide maximum enjoyment at an affordable price, ensuring that families of any size can make the most of our facilities.

Commitment to safety and respect

At Rosedale Rapids, we are dedicated to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all our visitors. Our comprehensive behavior policy includes a Three-Strike Rule to address serious infractions firmly:

First Strike — Ejection from the facility for one day.

Second Strike — Suspension from facility use for one week.

Third Strike — A ban from the facility for the remainder of the season.

Management has the discretion to ban an individual following a first offense if the incident is in any way illegal, aggressive or threatening to staff or patrons. Staff may also use other corrective actions, such as time outs or rule reviews, before calling a manager to implement a strike.

We’ve also established clear age-appropriate access guidelines and behavior expectations, ensuring a positive experience for every guest:

Children 11 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 16 years or older to use the aquatics facility.

Children 12-15 years old (daily admission and season pass holders) must have a parent check-in on the first day and fill out an information sheet, sign off on pool rules, behavior expectations and penalties.

Family passes must have updated information and have signed off on pool rules, behavior expectations and penalties.

Detailed facility rules

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, we kindly ask everyone to follow these general facility rules:

Appropriate swimwear is required in the pool; no street clothes are allowed.

Guests must shower before entering the pools.

Diving is permitted in designated areas only.

Running inside the facility and rough play around the pools are prohibited.

Food and drink are restricted to the concessions area, except for capped containers in the pool areas.

Outside food, drink, and coolers are not allowed.

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and illegal substances are strictly forbidden on city property.

Guests with open wounds or contagious conditions are not permitted in the water.

Lifeguards and staff have the authority to enforce all rules for the safety of guests.

Children who are not potty trained must wear swim diapers.

Only swim goggles are allowed; diving masks are prohibited.

The facility may close due to inclement weather or low patronage.

Special events coming this year

We’re bringing back some community favorite events this year and adding some new ones to the Rosedale schedule (weather permitting):

Adult Only Evening Swim: Join us on June 18, when the facility will be open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for only our passholders and the public who are 18 years old or older.

Late Night Family Swim: This will take place on June 30, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring the whole family to come enjoy the pool for an evening of extended hours.

Rosedale Rapids Lazy 5K: Join us on July 6, from 9 a.m to noon, for a lazy river 5K. Walk/Run with the current this year.

Fitness Program: All season long, sign up for our fitness club and compete with other patrons as you swim or water walk the distance from Rosedale to Des Moines. T-shirts and prizes will be awarded to those who finish.

Inner Tube Water Polo: Register a team for inner tube water polo being held on July 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. We are putting a twist on the regular game of water polo and setting up games where teams will compete while riding on inner tubes.

Mermaid and Princess Party: This childhood favorite will be held on July 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Our friends from Little Princess Parties will provide an evening with “The Little Mermaid” and two of her friends who will pose for photos, swim, and do activities with you!

Cardboard Boat Race: New for 2024, you’ll have an opportunity to design and build your cardboard boat to race and compete against others in our lap pool. This event will be held on August 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Social media

Like and follow Rosedale Rapids on Facebook (@RosedaleRapidsAquaticCenter) for more details as we get closer to the event dates.

Lifeguards needed

We are in need of lifeguards for this summer to ensure that all amenities and pools are open. Applications are open and interviews are taking place. Not a lifeguard? Not a problem! Register for one of our upcoming lifeguard certification classes. Two class options are available for your convenience.: April 13 — 14 and May 28 — 30.

We have a limited number of scholarships available to help pay for certification prior to the season. We are also offering reimbursement for training at the end of the 2024 season, provided the employee is in good standing. These scholarships and reimbursements are approved for our classes as well as classes at other facilities. If you have any questions about lifeguard certification and requirements, you can reach out to Alec Schanz at aschanz@fortdodge.org.

Your summer awaits at Rosedale Rapids

Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center is more than just a swimming pool; it’s a place where fitness, family, and fun come together in the summer sunshine. Whether you’re interested in swim lessons, casual family swims, or fitness programs, Rosedale Rapids has something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome you and make the 2024 season your best summer yet.