After a pandemic, budget cuts and repair needs led to spring and summer closure, the Haines Borough swimming pool is finally ready to reopen, with one exception—at present, there’s no one to manage the facility.

The pool has been closed since March when it initially shut its doors due to pandemic concerns. At the time of the closure, the pool was drained to save costs and allow for repairs. In June, the Haines Borough Assembly passed a budget including a cost-saving measure closing the facility until September and temporarily laying off staff.

In mid-August, the borough announced that former pool manager RaeAnn Miner wouldn’t be returning when the facility reopened.

Interim borough manager Alekka Fullerton said at present, the lack of pool manager is all that stands between the facility and reopening. Under state law, public pools are required to have a manager with the requisite pool equipment experience and American Red Cross certifications.

While the pool remains shut, the Haines Dolphins swim team is unable to practice.

“The kids want to swim, and we’re doing our best,” team president Rich Chapell said. In past years, the season has typically begun just after Labor Day, running until early May.

Starting this year’s swim season is further complicated by the team’s lack of a head coach and ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

The Dolphins lost head coach Jackie St. Clair due to scheduling issues this year, Chapell said. He said the organization is looking for someone with competitive swimming experience to take over.

The team will need to work with the newly hired pool manager to put in place COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure practices are run in a safe manner. In recent years, the team has had roughly 70 swimmers. Chapell said mitigation measures will likely include staggering practices so only a portion of swimmers are in the pool at any given time.

Those interested in the coaching job can apply at hainesdolphins.org. The pool manager job is listed at https://www.hainesalaska.gov/jobs with a Sept. 15 application deadline. Fullerton said as of Tuesday, three people had applied for the position.