The NH Swim School’s longtime nomadic existence should end in October.
So says founder and backbone Karen Jenovese, a local woman who’s determined to produce as many certified lifeguards and competent swimmers as possible.
For nearly 25 years, the club has rented pool time at different facilities. One, at Southern New Hampshire University, recently closed its pool, adding urgency to Jenovese’s vision.
She took out a loan to fit the bill for a brand new facility at 41 Hall Street. She said the total cost will be $1.3 million. The footings for the building’s concrete slabs are in place and construction of the pool is underway.
When completed in three months, the new pool will feature two lanes, each 75 feet long. It will be enclosed in a glass-paneled structure with an aluminum retractable roof, which can be opened and closed by solar power.
“We were forced to make a decision to have our own home,” Jenovese said. “There are not a lot of pools available, so this is an important step to keep swimming alive.”
Jenovese actually didn’t swim competitively at Merrimack Valley High School, but she earned a spot on the Plymouth State College team as a walk-on.
While competing and later coaching, she noticed something that bothered her.
“I fell in love with it and saw a need for the kids to learn,” Jenovese said. “As a coach, I noticed that there were flotation devices everywhere, so I realized we needed to teach kids to save their own lives.”
Jenovese needed setback variances on all four sides of the property at 41 Hall Street, and another variance for a 15-space parking lot, not for the 35 spots normally required. Those variances have been granted by the planning board, and Jenovese said that all the paperwork for the project is done.
“The city of Concord has been great to work with and great in getting things squared away,” Jenovese said. “We have the permits to build.”
Jenovese’s school has served as the central training ground in the city, offering swimming lessons while also certifying potential lifeguards through the Red Cross. Anyone older than 15 can take a lifeguard course.
Jenovese began 25 years ago with her baby/toddler program, open to individuals six months to three years old.
“Now,” Jenovese said, “we have triathletes training.”
Once the SNHU pool closed in 2020, scheduling became difficult, as staff had to seek pool time at hotels around Concord, Manchester and Salem.
In the past, about 300 individuals per year, ages 16 to 40, have been certified by Jenovese’s program, and she estimated that 200 to 400 children per week take lessons.
She labeled the NH Swim School a “family business,” since two of her adult children work with her and are qualified to teach swimming and certify lifeguards.
The $1.3 million estimate Jenovese gave does not include fundraisers, which are being used for scholarships to those who want to swim but lack the resources.
And for $500, your name will be put on a tile and placed on the wall in the bathhouse.
“They can make payments if they want,” Jenovese said.
To donate to the school, go to NHswimpool.com