Reston Community Center Honored By Fairfax County For Water Safety, Lifeguard Training

RESTON, VA— The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation earlier this month declaring May as Water Safety Month, recognizing the Reston Community Center and the Fairfax County Park Authority for their roles in providing aquatic education and accident prevention.

The proclamation cited the Reston Community Center’s efforts in providing swimming instruction and safety training for residents of various ages.

RCC Aquatics Director Matt McCall, speaking for both RCC and the Park Authority, told the board that water safety remains a year-round public safety priority.

“Water safety is not a seasonal effort,” McCall said. “RCC, along with the Park Authority, strengthens water safety across the county – from well-managed facilities to shared standards of excellence in aquatics programming and public education.”

The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center, located at RCC Hunters Woods, manages a variety of programs ranging from beginner lessons to advanced lifeguard certification. According to center officials, the department conducts approximately 80 weekly group swim classes and more than 2,000 private lessons annually.

The center’s programming includes free summer lessons for children and year-round adapted aquatics for individuals with physical or learning disabilities. Additionally, the facility hosts 26 weekly aqua aerobics classes focused on strength and mobility for adults and seniors.

RCC is currently among the region's largest American Red Cross training providers. Records show more than 300 lifeguards were trained at the facility in the past four months. Officials stated they intend to increase lifeguard training capacity by 75 percent next year.

During the proclamation, McCall recognized staff members Alfred Toussaint, Dory Traynham and Sophie Kartchner. Toussaint provides swim instruction for children and adults, Traynham leads aqua aerobics sessions and Kartchner oversees the training of lifeguards for community pools.

Registration for summer aquatic sessions is currently open.

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