By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

The Austin Municipal Pool will open at 1 p.m. on the Fourth of July and will likely run through until 6 p.m.

We have a skeleton staff of six lifeguards available that day, so the diving may not be available. Please keep in mind that if we do not reach 25 participants in the first hour and 45 minutes, the pool will close.

We will not reopen for the evening swim to allow our staff the opportunity to enjoy some of the Fourth of July events.

Stay safe everyone!

Related to pool safety, our lifeguards have had to make five rescues within the main pool and diving well within the first three weeks of the pool season. With this thought in mind, please remind your children not to get overly confident with regards to their swimming ability, especially in water depth that is over their head.

Also, flotation devices are not allowed except for a wearable US Coast Guard-approved life jacket on a child while their supervising adult is with them in the water, and only in the shallow end of the main pool and within arm’s length of the swimmer who is wearing the device.

Swimming lessons (session 1) wrapped up this past week and session 2 will begin on July 1. We experienced several days during the past session where lightning was encountered during swim lesson times.

As always, this resulted in vacating the pool. During such times, the instructors will attempt to lead alternate/safety training with participants of the lesson groups within the concessions stand building for penguin level and above. Not everyone stays, and many do not even send their children when the weather is questionable.

Ultimately, it is the parents’ choice as to whether to send their children or to participate in an alternate/safety training.

We do realize that it can be frustrating when weather doesn’t cooperate. Keep in mind that games for softball, teeball, baseball and soccer cannot always take place due to inclement weather.

Another note regarding swimming and pool activities: our free Family Fun Night has been re-scheduled to Friday, Aug. 2.

The re-scheduling was necessary due to the number of lifeguards (who are also AHS swim team members) who will be gone to swim camp that week. DeeAnn Randall will be on hand to DJ the music for the Fun Night. We are also thankful that our Summer Recreation Assistant Alex and staff will be leading the games.

We are extending a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors: the VFW, the Austin Eagles Club, and APAC! Without their help, this event would not be possible.

Lastly, regarding the pool, the swim meet this weekend will not interrupt scheduled open swim times, as it takes place on Saturday night after closing and on Sunday morning until just prior to opening time at 2 p.m. However, there will be a swim meet on July 19-21, which will close down the pool areas, with the exception of the splash pad. Reminders will follow in the weeks ahead.

Kiwanis Track Meet

The first Austin Noon Kiwanis Track Meet of the season, which had been scheduled for Thursday, June 27, was cancelled due to foul weather. There is a second meet which is slated for Thursday, July 25, at Wescott Athletic Complex. Watch for details.

Rolling Rec

Rolling Rec started this past Friday, and will continue on Fridays throughout the remainder of the summer rec season weather permitting.

Did You Know

In a recent study of more than 40,000 men ages 20-90, swimmers were 50 percent less likely to die during the 32-year study period than those choosing other forms of exercise (source: Medical News Today).

Start or reinforce your healthy habit today!