Seniors and children splash and learn together at Calabasas pool

Rachelle Dardeau of Silverado Senior Living in Calabasas was looking for a certified lifeguard to serve the home's elderly residents, while Michelle WestLentz of California Aquatics Swim School in Oxnard was looking for a site in Calabasas to provide swimming instruction.

The two searches combined earlier this summer into a partnership that now provides a learning and recreation venue for seniors and children alike, an aquatic intergenerational gathering place at the senior living center at 25100 Calabasas Road.

"Our residents get a lot of positive energy from the kids and our pool seems to work great for teaching," said Dardeau. "Everyone gets a twinkle in their eye and lights up with a big smile when they see the kids swimming and playing. Some residents swim very well and get in the pool with the kids. Others just enjoy watching what's going on. The lifeguards and instructors really understand our residents. It's an ideal arrangement."

West-Lentz said more than 50 students have learned to swim this summer at Calabasas, and she expects that number to double.

"This is a very warm community with a perfect pool for teaching," said West-Lentz. "The foothills setting is beautiful and the pool and grounds are kept in super shape. The staff are great, the residents love the kids and pets are welcome, too. It's just a great place to learn to swim."

Not only do residents and swimming students share the pool, but the venue is open to grandchildren and children of residents and staff.

It is also a weekend destination for Silverado Community Kids, a group of children ages 6 to 12 who volunteer at the community. They share a range of activities with the residents, including gardening, music, making homemade ice cream, and swimming.

Dardeau said Silverado policy is to become a part of community life in the locations they serve.

The program will continue through September. Dardeau and Lentz have already talked about expanding it for next year.

Silverado Senior Living is based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. and operates 17 memory care communities.