Summer may be winding down, but high temperatures and fun activities are keeping employees of the Steelville Pool busy, avid swimmers cool and tan seekers happy. Even with a struggling economy, the pool is averaging high numbers, allowing for more swimming classes, water aerobics, and special events for teens.

This summer, the pool was able to hold two sets of swimming lessons under direction of former Steelville lifeguard Matt Hammonds, both sessions having around 25 students each. “There are five levels the kids can work up to,” explained Pool Manager Sheri Sanders. “Wherever the kids stopped last year is where they started this year to work up to the fifth level. We’ve had such a good turnout.”

Swimmers have also enjoyed what the pool labels as “Dollar Days,” days that allow anyone to enjoy the pool all day for only $1, instead of the regular $2.75. Anyone can take advantage of remaining “Dollar Days” on August 4, August 12 and August 16-19. In addition to “Dollar Days,” the pool will have a free swimming day for everyone on Saturday, July 31 in memory of Bob Perkins.

Swimming is not only recreational, but it’s also a calorie-burning workout. The pool staff will hold a final water aerobics session August 2 through 6 for only $25 for the entire week. Bobbie Smith of Cuba will instruct the aerobics classes from 6 to 7 p.m., and anyone 18 years and older can sign up at the Steelville Pool during regular business hours.

A rare evening activity will be held at the pool for Steelville teens age 13 and older on Friday, July 30. From 8 to 10 p.m., the pool staff will host a teen dance with DJ Wes Brooks for only $5 per person. Every teen who enters the pool for the dance will have to pay the entry fee, with or without a season pass. The entry fee goes toward paying for the DJ and late-night lifeguards. Concessions will also be available.

Overall, the pool has had a very successful summer with very few hindrances due to low attendance and bad weather. “So far, we’ve only had to close down six or seven days because of weather and low numbers,” explained Sanders. “We’ve done really well and the weather hasn’t hurt us.”

According to Mayor Terry Palmer, this has been one of the best summers for the pool compared to past years. “We have some really good lifeguards,” Palmer said. “They don’t get enough credit for what they do.”

The pool will continue to be open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. At this point, the pool will remain open until Saturday, September 4, but while school is in session, the pool will be open after school from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. as long as attendance stays strong. “We hope a lot of kids come out after school,” said Sanders. “We’ll stay open if we have enough here.”