The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Personnel have been working hard at the Julia Butler Hansen Swimming Pool to ready it for opening day, Monday, June 17. Lifeguards have been hired and will complete training this Saturday. “I think the guards will be a great bunch again, dedicated, fun and skilled in their job,” said Duncan Cruickshank, who will continue to oversee the operation of the pool in addition to his duties as Public Works Superintendent for the Town of Cathlamet.

This year the pool will be open one hour less during the week, with a later start at 6:30 a.m. for Lap Swim, and an Open Swim finishing at 8:30 p.m.

Swim lessons have not been announced at this time, but will begin later this summer. Lap Swim and a Water Aerobics class will be available in the morning and late afternoon. Open Swim is from 11-4 Monday through Saturday and from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Prices remain the same as last year. For children and adults over the age of 55, the price is $2.50. For everyone else, the price is $3.00. Season passes are available.

The pool is always looking for donations of goggles, masks, snorkels and swim toys. “Especially balls, said Cruickshank, “which fall victim to the barbed wire fence.” They are also hoping to replace the refrigerator-freezer, if someone has one to donate. “Anyone who wants to make a financial gift to help kids learn to swim or whatever,” he added, “should please see Tina at Town Hall.”

“I would like complaints and concerns that are not immediately fixed by guards to come directly to me,” said Cruickshank, “office 795-8032 cell 957-7167.”

The most important thing,” finished Cruickshank, “is for people to use the pool and to consider holding birthday party and special events there—the cost is nominal really and that can be a huge amount of fun.”

For more information, call the pool at 795-6515 or go online to view the 2013 schedule and prices at http://www.townofcathlamet.com/SwimmingPoolInfo.shtml.