Lack of staff availability affecting Columbia summer pool schedules
Columbia pools are opening later than usual this year, with two of the three city-run pools not opening for the season until July 1.
The Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center will be open on May 28, 29 and 30 from 12 to 5 p.m. The pool is closed Tuesday, May 31. The aquatic center will open for the season on June 1.
Throughout June and July, the pool will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. and closed Monday and Tuesday.
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The same hours of operation will hold in August until the aquatic center closes during the week starting Aug. 5. The pool will be open on weekends only.
The final days the aquatic center will be open are Sept. 3, 4 and 5.
The Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center will host "Little Swimmers" and lap swimmers from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays through Fridays.
The Douglass Family Aquatic Center will not open for the season until July 1, according to the schedules listed on the city's website.
If enough lifeguards are hired, Lake of the Woods pool will also open on July 1.
The two pools have the same operating hours, 12 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
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The Douglass Family Aquatic Center closes for the season on Aug. 5. The Lake of the Woods pool closes on Aug. 7.
Little Mates Cove at Twin Lakes will remain closed throughout the season due to structural issues, a city press release said.
A notice was included under the name of each pool stating that schedules were subject to change due to the availability of staff.
In 2021, issues with pool openings centered around the lack of lifeguard staff needed to operate the pools each day, limiting the days open and hours available to minimal levels.
This year, the city is offering lifeguard training opportunities from June 3 through 5. Training is free for individuals already employed by the city.
People looking into the role must be at least 15-years-old.
Individuals previously certified to be lifeguards will have the opportunity on June 4 to attend a recertification class.
Registration for new and recertification is available by calling 573-874-7460.
Stephens Lake and spraygrounds at Stephens Lake Park, Flat Branch Park and Douglass Park opened on May 1 and will remain open through Sept.
Lauren Tronstad covers local government and politics for the Tribune. Contact her at LTronstad@gannett.com or on Twitter @LaurenTronstad.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia swimming pool schedules impacted by staffing shortage
