Former lifeguard swims 66 laps a day, even in winter

By Melissa Borgerding
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Richard Warner had to drive 15 minutes to the local YMCA when he wanted to swim laps—weather permitting. Now, this New Jersey native can be found in Sedgebrook’s heated swimming pool, rain or shine.

Water, water everywhere
A former water safety instructor for the Red Cross, Warner says that he learned to swim before he could walk—literally. As a baby, Richard once crawled right off the edge of a pool. He’s been swimming an average of 66 laps daily ever since!

Because of his love for the water, Warner wanted a community with a convenient and welldesigned Aquatics Center. He researched an Erickson community in New Jersey before deciding to head west to be closer to family in Northbrook.

72˚ and sunny every day
Weather is no longer a concern for Warner, who says he gets to swim more now that he lives at Sedgebrook.

Rather than drive to the Y, he strolls down the glassenclosed- climate-controlled walkways to the Cardinal Clubhouse. “If the weather’s not good, the walkways keep you dry,” he explains.

Even a snowstorm won’t stop a devoted swimmer like Warner. Sedgebrook’s swimming pool is located in the glassenclosed Aquatics Center.

This thoughtful design ensures plenty of natural light and offers a view of the landscaped courtyard. Despite the season, the temperature inside the Aquatics Center is kept at a comfortable 72 degrees, so the water is always just right.

Benefits of a water workout
According to American Fitness magazine, water exercise like swimming and water aerobics is extremely beneficial for mature adults. While activities like walking or cycling can cause joint pain and even damage, exercising in water provides a more comfortable range of motion and promotes joint health and flexibility. The Sedgebrook pool is kept at 82˚ to 88˚ year-round, the optimal temperature to ease the pain of arthritis.