Lifeguard shortage impacts Hartselle Aquatic Center
Special to the Enquirer
The Hartselle Aquatic Center will open Saturday for the first time since 2019, but the shortage in lifeguards is impacting hours of operation.
The city made the announcement on its Facebook page. According to the post, the pool will remain closed Mondays because of limited staff.
“The number of lifeguards that are currently employed and trained is slightly below typical numbers for this time of year. This means that as of now, the pool will only be open six days per week,” the post read. “Should the staffing situation improve, the operating schedule may be adjusted.
“Weather permitting the pool will be open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Plans are to remain open until August 8. If staff numbers allow, the pool will possibly be open on weekends until Labor Day.”
In other changes this year, floats, floaties, goggles will not be available for rent at the pool. Patrons must bring their own if they wish to use them. Additionally, lockers will not be provided this year, so each person will be responsible for their own belongings while at the pool.
All water toys, slides and diving boards will be open, and visitors will be asked to respect social distancing rules while waiting in line.
All tables, chairs and loungers will be available on a first come, first served basis. Some of these will be for short term use to rest for a few minutes or eat a bite of food. These will be clearly marked, and everyone will be asked to pay attention to those rules.
Full-service concessions will be in operation while the pool is open. There will not be a free refill cup offered this year; only bottled Coke products will be served.
All parents and guardians are asking to pay particular attention to the age requirements for entry into the Aquatic Center. All children 12 and younger must have adult supervision while inside the center.
Swimming lessons will not be offered this summer because of social distancing requirements. Adult-only water aerobics and lap swimming will be available on scheduled mornings. Price and times will be announced soon.
Private after-hours parties can be scheduled by contacting the pool manager, Lacy Johnson, for pricing and availability at 256-773-2581 or 256-751-0665.
Johnson said the SNAP playground and splash pad will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and will also open May 29.
The annual pool pass sale is also upcoming and will be announced soon, according to the post. Beginning this summer, Parks and Recreation is transitioning to a new operating software, and an attempt is being made to make this transition before selling pool passes.
Announcements will be made on the Hartselle Aquatic Center Facebook page.
