Here's where and when you can cool off in Augusta area public pools
Augusta is already heating up and locals may be wondering where they can take a dip and cool off.
USA Today reported an early forecast shows summer 2024 is set to be unusually hot across most of the country.
In a summer forecast map released April 18 by NOAA, Georgia and South Carolina were shaded in orange, meaning 40-50% warmer temperatures are expected for June, July and August.
Many private pools have already opened, but others are waiting until Memorial Day weekend. Some have yet to announce their opening dates.
The YMCA, one of the country's leading providers of swim lessons and water safety instruction reminds swimmers and parents to heed the following safety tips:
Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone
Adults should be constantly and actively watching their children
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm's reach
Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities
Here is a list, in chronological order, of Augusta area outdoor pool openings:
May 24 – Fort Eisenhower Courtyard Pool and Spray Park
The Fort Eisenhower Outdoor Pool and Spray Park at the Courtyard opens on May 24.
Visitors without a DoD ID card will need to get a visitor’s pass at the Gate 6 Visitor Center to visit the facility.
Fort Eisenhower officials said the MWR Team will publish updated pool and spray park information to its homepage shortly.
Information on getting a visitor's pass for MWR facilities can be found on the MWR's site as well.
The park offers:
20 water features
Slides and diving boards
Bell-shaped kiddie pool
Beach front entry to pool
Tents for shade and a covered patio for eating
3-tiered deck for sun bathing
May 25 – All Augusta area YMCA locations
All of the Augusta area YMCA locations open their outdoor pools and water parks on May 25.
Locations include:
Wilson Family YMCA at 3570 Wheeler Rd., Augusta
Burke County Family YMCA at 50 Olympic Dr., Waynesboro
Thomson Family YMCAi34 at 521 West Hill St., Thomson
Aiken County Family YMCA at 621 Trolley Ln., Graniteville, S.C.
Barnwell County Family YMCA at 660 Joey Zorn Blvd., Barnwell, S.C.
June 3 – Aiken County Recreation Center
The Aiken County Recreation Center pool at 917 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville, S.C. opens on June 3.
The facility includes a pool, two outside basketball courts, two playground areas, a picnic area, a multi-purpose room and a birthday party room.
June 12 – City of Aiken Public Pool at Smith-Hazel
The City of Aiken Public Pool at Smith-Hazel, located at 416 Kershaw St. NE, is open from June 12 to July 23 on weekdays and from July 29 to Sept. 3 on weekends.
The facility has one 5-foot deep pool with certified lifeguards, according to its website. Any children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a swimming adult.
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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta area pool openings 2024