I'm not sure if this is really a rant, but I'll post it here:

Does anyone know either a) of the best time to get in a lap swim at Purdy; or b) any other pools on base that offer lap swim time?

Here's the deal: I am in the middle of training for a serious job change that requires me to meet stringent physical fitness standards. There's a team of us working towards this goal and I train with them in the morning from about 5am to 9am. Sometimes we swim in the morning at Purdy (as the physical fitness test does have a swim portion).

However each week, the pool is closed for command reservations on certain days, so it limits which mornings we can swim. On those days, I try to swim in the afternoon, after work, but I have been told twice by Purdy pool staff to please combine lanes with other swimmers so that the children can get into the pool. At one point, there were four of us lap swimmers in one lane.

I also try to swim on weekends, but several weekends the pool has been closed for swim meet activities. Now that the outdoor pools have opened, the Purdy pool will be closed on the weekends.

I'm not complaining because I know the pools are a shared facility, but I would really like to have a place to go swim, undisturbed for at least an hour.

Does anyone know if any of the outdoor pools are Olympic-sized? Are they always packed during the summer? Any other serious swimmers out there who have found a "sweet spot" of a time to go swimming?

Well if you're going for any of the NSW/NSO programs (SEAL, EOD, SWCC, Diver, AIRR) then you're out of luck. Probably shouldn't have been an idiot and checked the programs rules before training! They no longer accept any prior service into these programs. Only way you can go for one of these jobs is if you are new to Navy... Sources, me I'm one of the motivators/mentors that signs off on new people going for these jobs.

The pool at Yokota has lap swimming during lunch time. Kind of far but just putting the info out there

Yikes. I'm a civilian.

Yeah, Yokota is a little far for a daily swim.

Going to scope out the outdoor pools in the next few weeks. Hopefully I find a time that works for me.

There are many Japanese indoor swimming pools............

I know of a few where I am but that won't help you much you may need to research it a little to find them.

10 seconds later....... curtsey of JB forums...

http://www.yspc.or.jp/kanazawa_p_ysa/

It is located to the left of Costco on the map.  Costco is to the left of the baseball field and the swimming center is to the right (right next to the ocean).

http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/8178.aspx

Posted By SealScout on 06-02-2012 12:23 PM
Well if you're going for any of the NSW/NSO programs (SEAL, EOD, SWCC, Diver, AIRR) then you're out of luck. Probably shouldn't have been an idiot and checked the programs rules before training! They no longer accept any prior service into these programs. Only way you can go for one of these jobs is if you are new to Navy... Sources, me I'm one of the motivators/mentors that signs off on new people going for these jobs.

Really? Because someone is looking for somewhere to swim laps, you automatically assume they are wanting to try out for a Special program?

Did I miss where that was said?

Tone down your Super Seal-ness, and actually attempt to help someone out the next time you try and chime in with your 2 cents...

In Yokosuka, as you head outside the main gate of Yokosuka Naval Base, head towards AUTOBACS.

Across the street in the same building they have the ABC Mart, and Dennys, they have a place that not may base members probably join, which is called OASIS.

Its a gym facility, but they have a full size pool that you could practice there.

The parking is free as well, but you would have to pay for a membership.

http://www.sportsoasis.co.jp/pgm/pool/?type=g



MAP:
http://goo.gl/CNMfB

If you need any assistance with translation for talking with them, you can stop into the JB Yokosuka office, and speak with Yuko.  She will help you with getting your membership started, and speak with them about anything you need or have questions about.

Awesome!! I'm going to have to check it out. Thanks for the help!

The Swim team is done for the year for swim events. They had their last meet today. they still have practice until june 14th.
The outdoor pool at green beach is a 50 meter pool and they have about 3 or 4 lanes that are lap lanes during there open hours. every 45 minutes is adult swim where the kids have to sit out. Kids cannot play in the lap lanes they are for laps only. you may want to check with green beach the pool schdele for the summer.

Posted By SealScout on 06-02-2012 12:23 PM
Well if you're going for any of the NSW/NSO programs (SEAL, EOD, SWCC, Diver, AIRR) then you're out of luck. Probably shouldn't have been an idiot and checked the programs rules before training! They no longer accept any prior service into these programs. Only way you can go for one of these jobs is if you are new to Navy... Sources, me I'm one of the motivators/mentors that signs off on new people going for these jobs.

What a gem of a first post! Some "motivator" you are!

The oasis is a very good place. It is a very good suggestion. Been there a couple of times and it was a great experience. They have other amenities to if your looking for other stuff. Coz if your gonna be a member then might as well experience everything.lol. they got good sauna and gym too. Enjoy!!!!

Posted By Tricia2 on 06-02-2012 5:19 PM
... every 45 minutes is adult swim where the kids have to sit out. ...

I didn't know that was the adult swim time.  Every time I've been to the pool in Ikego, I thought they would close the pool for 15 minutes so everybody had to get out.  I never knew why.  I guess most other adults don't know either.

Parking is no longer free there LIVIN also charges, it's like 200¥ and hour. Homes is still free for now. They'll start charging too soon I bet

Sajima no Oka has a Yokosuka City Pool (public pool) that is about 500 yen for entry, you have to wear a hair cap (as with most Japanese public pools), but it has two lanes dedicated to lap swimming all the hours it is open.  I believe it closes around 9 pm and I have no idea when it opens.  It is about a twenty minute drive from Yokosuka.  There are a total of four Yokosuka City Pools and some are even closer to the base, but I like the Sajima no Oka one because it is NEVER busy and they are very strict on their lap lanes (if you aren't lap swimming seriously they make you move).

I can send you directions if you want...just PM me.

Closing the pool for 15 minutes is to give the lifeguards a break. 

Lots of good info!!

Thanks everyone for the help!! I have a ton of options now, how exciting!