UNITY — A new recreation venue will soon be part of downtown Unity. Simply Swimming will be constructed at 304 Main Street, next to the Press-Herald building.
Annemie Bernardo and Hannes Synman are behind Unity’s newest business venture.
“If the weather allows it, we will start construction June 6,” says Annemie. If all goes according to plan, the couple hope to be open in the fall, as early as the first of September.
A variety of programming will be offered that will include moms and babies, moms and toddlers, stroke correction and levels, water safety, adult swimming lessons and aquasizes.
“I have been teaching since 2007 and owned two swimming schools in Â鶹ÊÓƵ Africa. We came to Unity in 2020 with the plan of opening a swimming school,” Annemie says,
She says she felt she would not have accomplished anything without Hannes.
“He is the one who was motivating me in this business venture and I would have never done it without all of his support. We are a great team.”
Annemie currently works at the Unity post office however her passion lies in teaching kids to swim.
“Unity is a lovely community and we felt everyone could do with a heated pool right through the year as the summer is too short to learn to swim. Swimmers will have all winter to prepare for when summer comes and they can safely enjoy the lakes and pools.”
The couple says Unity is a wonderful community and everyone has been very supportive of the idea of lessons and acquasizes all year round. Former economic development director, Carey Baker, along with Mayor Sharon Del Frari were credited with their support in providing the information necessary to proceed with logistics of this new venture.
“Nicole Headrick has also been such a great support and helped with all the questions I have even before we arrived from Â鶹ÊÓƵ Africa. In fact, everyone in Unity has been absolutely amazing.”
People can find out about the business during its construction on their Simply Swimming Facebook page, as well as a website will be available soon. Annemie will promote the venture through the local paper and social media as well as visiting daycares and dropping off flyers and posters around town.
As far as instructors and/or life guards, Annemie says at the moment it will be just herself looking after start up. After opening, she will look into getting qualified teachers on board, all depending on hours availability with their own school activities and sports.
“We are very excited that our town is growing and that we are in a position to build this indoor pool to teach each and everyone to learn to swim and offering aquasizes to young and old.”
“Swimming is not a hobby, it is a life skill. I am very honored to be part of this early development stages for our children.”
The prospect of a year-round pool, adding to recreation options in Unity, has been making a big splash as residents have voiced their enthusiasm on social media regarding this soon-to-open business coming to Main Street Unity.
