The Meet Your Neighbor series of articles by Rio Verde resident Tonie Lindenberger returns for the season this week.

From an Iowa farm girl to open water swimmer, Jean Hofmann became interested in swimming as a young teen. This is her story.

While in junior high school, Hofmann’s mother enrolled her in a synchronized swim class. It was here she found her passion for water sports and was soon competing in synchronized swim events. Upon reaching high school, she joined the swim team.

According to Hofmann, “This is where it all started.” Her father owned a seed store in the heart of Iowa farming country. She began working for him at an early age and continued until she went away to college at Iowa State University to study art education with an emphasis in fine art.

It was there she met her husband of 47 years, Paul, who was also from a farming family. They had 10 children as they earned a living farming, with a span of 15 years between the oldest and youngest.

“We know all about hard work,” states Jean.

Invited by a foundation that encourages children of various ages to get involved with open water swimming, Hofmann swam in a non-competitive event in the waters flanking Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay in April of this year. She finished in just under one hour, swimming 1.4 miles. On the second day of the event, participants swam under the Golden Gate Bridge.

“The water in the Pacific Ocean is very cold in the spring, hence the chance of encountering a shark is slim. Wet suits were needed to preserve body heat. They also make you buoyant which can positively influence your speed,” Hofmann said.

Swimming in an ocean, lake or other natural body of water is referred to as “open water” swimming. Some of these events are timed with awards given by age category. Over the years, Hofmann has participated in many open swimming events, earning multiple awards. She is a freestyle stroke swimmer, meaning she can use any stroke she chooses. Hofmann states there is one very scary aspect of open water swimming.

“Large fish can bump up against you, and you never know for sure exactly what has touched you,” she said.

Hofmann has qualified for the U.S. Masters Swimming, an organization of 70,000 adult fitness swimmers. She swims just over 500 miles a year. You can find her in the Rio Verde pool early each morning where she usually swims 140 laps which equates to 3,500 yards.

Hofmann believes everyone should use a swimming pool.

“Water-walking is excellent for people with injuries because it is non-weight bearing. It is great for people with balance issues because the water supports you and enables mobility. There is nothing better than the calmness of the water, so there are both mental and physical advantages to recreational swimming,” Hofmann said.

Additionally, swimming uses every muscle and is an excellent calorie burner. In recent years, “pool therapy” has become increasingly popular and it is now frequently promoted by physical therapists.

Ten years ago, a Zillow search led the Hofmanns to Rio Verde. Over the years, Jean has served on the Community Relations Committee (CRC) and the Marketing Committee for the HOA. She has been a library volunteer and worked on the “Welcome Back” committee when it was held at the Box Bar Ranch. When she is not swimming, she enjoys her 36 grandchildren and many activities the community has to offer.