Bossier Council on Aging uses new lift to help with summer water aerobics class

Senior citizens are making a big splash this summer.The Bossier Council on Aging is offering local seniors a full-body, low-impact water aerobics class three days a week at the Ft. Smith public swimming pool. Jackie Conner of Bossier City has been an instructor for 20 years now and said her 45 minute class reaches everything from the eyes to the tips of the toes.

I do this for the benefit of the seniors and for those who may have health problems, Conner said. It's something that will move every part of your body.

Donald Oakley of Bossier City is a newcomer to Conners class this year. In his second summer with the BCOA, Oakley said he is enjoying time in the pool thanks to a new lift installed this year.

Oakley, who had his right leg amputated at the knee two years ago, is one of two seniors using a remote controlled automated handicap chair lift to get safely in and out of the pool.

According to Clay Bohanan, Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation, the new lift was installed this year to meet state and federal law.

The lift we had there originally was outdated and old, Bohanan said. We went ahead and installed a new lift there and at the other two public pools also.

Last summer, Oakley wondered if he would ever get the chance to get in the water.

Gee, I wish I could get in there, he recalled thinking as he passed by the pool.

Oakley said the new lift is a God-send.

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Lift helps seniors make a ‘splash’