Fort Cavazos families dive into holiday swimming extravaganza

By Blair Dupre, Fort Cavazos Public AffairsDecember 7, 2023

Families splash around the indoor pool Dec. 2 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center with candy cane-shaped floaties. (U.S. Army photo by Blair Dupre, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)
Families splash around the indoor pool Dec. 2 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center with candy cane-shaped floaties. (U.S. Army photo by Blair Dupre, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Blair Dupre) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Dozens of families gathered Dec. 2 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center in their best swimwear to enjoy an evening at the pool and speak with the man in red himself during the Swimming with Santa event.

Attendees participated in many activities including jumping off a diving board, swimming around the pool with candy cane floaties, batting around small beach balls and navigating a floating obstacle course.

“It’s really cool,” said Tara Governal, aquatics training instructor with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, about seeing so many families participating in the event. “I’m glad to see that the events that we put on have a big show out.”

She said after the pooling for pumpkins event around Halloween, her team was eager to host another event and they hope to make Swimming with Santa an annual event.

“I love putting together all the little fun activities for the kids,” Governal said. “I think they enjoy it and it’s really awesome to see everybody having fun.”

Santa strategizes with swimmers who are about to take on the floating obstacle course during the Swimming with Santa event Dec. 2 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center. (U.S. Army photo by Blair Dupre, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)
Santa strategizes with swimmers who are about to take on the floating obstacle course during the Swimming with Santa event Dec. 2 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center. (U.S. Army photo by Blair Dupre, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: Blair Dupre) VIEW ORIGINAL

There was fun outside the pool as well with Santa walking around, talking to children and posing for photos, ornament crafting and even a raffle.

“It’s a fun time for families and having Santa come out is awesome for the kids,” Governal said. “I’m sure they’re excited to get their picture taken with Santa.”

Santa spent most of his time walking around the pool speaking to families and watching everyone have fun.

“This is a great event,” he said. “I’m glad to see all the kids and the families interacting and all of the activities. It’s great of Fort Cavazos to put something on like this.”

For more information on upcoming swimming events, swimming lessons and lifeguard training, visit cavazos.armymwr.com/ or call 254-287-4648.