Smithville Pool to Open Soon

By Chris Tramel

DeKalb countians got some welcomed news last week after it was announced that the Smithville Swimming Pool will be allowed to reopen later this month. The announcement came amidst concerns over the covid-19 pandemic, but officials say that with some precautions, everyone should remain safe.

Smithville Golf Course and Swimming Pool manager Jeania Cawthorne told the Smithville Review that the planned opening date for the pool depends on whether the city can refill the pool in time. The pool was drained this spring in order to make need repairs to the tile. "If we get water in the pool, we'll be open June 15, on a Monday," Cawthorne said. "We'll be open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm."

"We have 19 lifeguards this year," Cawthorne explained. She said that it will take several days to refill the pool, and water is needed to train the lifeguards before the opening.

Cawthorne said that there will be some changes made this year to ensure safety during the coronavirus outbreak. "The maximum amount of people we can have inside of our gate is 50," she explained. "The biggest changes we will have this year, due to Covid-19 and the Governor's Tennessee Pledge, we can not supply the lounge chairs or the picnic tables. You are allowed to bring in your own chair to the pool area."

"Also, the slides will be closed around the pool," Cawthorne continued. "We can't go in and sanitize the slides each time they are used so they will have to be closed. We will have someone constantly walking around with a spray bottle washing off the handrails and doorknobs, as well as keeping the bathrooms clean."

According to Cawthorne there will be some changes when you check in as well. "When you come to the window to check in, we will have to check your temperature, we will have to get your name, address and phone number, and we will ask if you have been sick or if you have had a cough or fever. People are more than welcome to wear a mask while inside the facility, however the lifeguards will not be wearing masks."

Cawthorne said the pool will be able to host private parties in the evening hours and will offer some other special events, but there will also be some new scheduling for special needs users. "We will be having water aerobics on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am, and it will cost just $1 to get in.  But, something new this year is that we will be setting aside an hour of swim time for people with disabilities and special needs, so they can have a quiet time to swim. That will be Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am."

While attendance is limited Cawthorne said that admission will be only $2 for everyone to get in.

- - - - - - - - - - -