Experienced swimmers and people who just splash are invited to a free day at the pool.
The first Splash-O-Rama, a community swimming and water safety day, is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the pool.
The event includes a 10 a.m. fun swim meet; noon free swim; 1 p.m. kids swim clinic and lessons; and 1:30 p.m. adult swim clinic and lessons.
The Splash-O-Rama is a joint effort of the Friends of the Pool, Haines Borough, and Haines Dolphins swim team.
Tom Morphet is one of the founders of the Friends of the Pool, a loose affiliation of pool supporters.
“The pool is an aging facility, and not an inexpensive one, and we are members of the community dedicated to keeping the pool open, economically,” Morphet said.
He said the Splash-O-Rama is “a celebration of the pool and swimming, emphasizing the lifesaving element of the pool.”
“The pool is doing exactly what it was built for – to teach skills that save lives,” he added.
The event will include recognition of Haines swimmers who have been involved in life-saving emergencies.
In addition to being a vital life skill for coastal residents, swimming is a low-impact exercise residents can enjoy year-round.
“People can learn to swim at any age,” Morphet said. “Some of the big swimmers in the community are senior citizens.”
The Splash-O-Rama grew out of the annual community swim meet hosted by the Dolphins and will continue to include entertaining family events.
“The meet portion is going to be just fun, silly stuff like T-shirt relays, noodle races, parent vs. kid races,” said coach Lauren Rutland. “Nothing requiring any competitive swimming experience. The goal is to get everyone to come in and have some fun.”
Walk-ins for lessons are welcome, but pre-registration is recommended.
The life-savers’ recognition will be held at 10 a.m. Information about the pool, the Dolphins and the Friends group also will be available.Refreshments will be served.