You know the summer season has begun when the Smithville City Swimming Pool opens, and that’s just what happened last Friday as young swimmers took advantage of Report Card Day at the pool. Admission to the pool was free for school aged children in DeKalb County.

Pool hours have changed this year due to the lack of available lifeguards. Hours will be from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 per person, but those ages two and younger will be admitted free. Anyone under age 13 must have a parent or guardian accompany them to the pool.

Pool capacity is 350 persons. The pool currently has 12 lifeguards on staff and nine of them are on duty each day. The pool will stay open until school reopens.

During opening day, the DeKalb Prevention Coalition was on hand, passing out chips and coupons for free food to hungry swimmers as well as prevention pamphlets. Kids were asked to fill out a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free in order to win prizes, and parents were asked to fill out a survey to be able to enter the park for free. Justin Cantrell, the Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist manned a booth, offering opioid reversal training.

Coordinated School Health was also at the pool manning a hydration station for pool guest. Festivities at the pool also included a DJ with music.

The Smithville City Swimming Pool is located at 430 Golf Club Drive, as part of the Smithville Golf Course.