On Friday, December 10th, the informal soft opening of the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) therapeutic swimming pool took place with the WYCCF board, management, staff, clients, and the construction crew of Gemini Construction, who built the pool. The small but festive event was organized to thank the construction crew and give the WYCCF family a first look at the first therapeutic swimming on the island.
The construction of this pool started in August of this year and was completed as planned before the end of the year. This therapeutic pool is specifically designed to be used by all clients in the care of the WYCCF, considering their special needs. It is a saltwater pool that brings down the chlorine level, making the water better for the skin, eyes, and airways. It has stairs, a wheelchair ramp, and a passive lift to go in and out of the pool. The pool can be heated for therapy purposes, and shade can be provided when necessary.
WYCCF Operations Manager Bregje Boetekees said that she was very happy with the completion of the pool. This new pool allows for several new therapeutic possibilities like Water Specific Therapy and Clinical Ai Chi. These therapeutic interventions are beneficial for many clients in the care of WYCCF. "The opening of our therapeutic swimming pool is a great step in further improving healthcare in Sint Maarten, and I'm proud and thankful that we realized this at our foundation. I want to thank the board of White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation and Gemini Construction for making this long-standing wish a reality".
The WYCCF continuously strives to improve the quality of its care, and the realization of this pool is a clear example of that. It also reflects one of the core values of the WYCCF, which is to provide client-centered care.
The official opening of the therapeutic pool will take place at the beginning of February.