Come on in, the water’s… a bit chilly.
That didn’t stop area youths from enjoying the Iola Municipal Pool Wednesday afternoon. Dozens of children dove into the deep end, slipped down the water slide and braced themselves under tumbling buckets of water.
Lifeguard Lauryn Holloway watched from the side of the pool, red whistle ready to rein in any unruly youngsters.
It’s her third year working as a lifeguard, although she skipped last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pool’s opening was delayed last year because of the pandemic, and capacity was limited to just 35 at a time. Instead of general admission, the pool sold tickets to control the crowds.
“It wasn’t hard. It was just boring,” Iola Recreation Director Jason Bauer said.
The pool has been open just three days so far this year, and chilly temperatures combined with rain showers has limited attendance.
But manager Mia Aronson expects that will change as soon as the weather cooperates.
On a normal day, the pool will draw a crowd of about 200. Five lifeguards stand guard at a time, with a total of 12 on staff.
“It’s a little chilly right now, but we’re excited to be back,” said Aronson. This year was the first time since 2018 the pool actually opened on Memorial Day. In 2019, the opening was delayed because of flooding. In 2020 came the virus.
This year was the first time since 2018 the pool actually opened on Memorial Day. In 2019, the opening was delayed because of flooding. In 2020 came the virus.
“It’s been slower but kids are showing up and having fun. That’s what it’s about,” Bauer said.
Still, staff had to temporarily close the pool Monday when the “Real Feel” temperature dropped below 70 degrees. The staff uses Accuweather to determine if weather conditions will allow them to open the pool.
The staff doesn’t keep track of the water temperature, but recent rains and cooler weather make swimmers want to keep active.
