What to know about pool season 2021

What Memorial Day weekend lacked in pool weather it looks like early June will deliver.

After closing for 2020 because of the pandemic, public pools are back.

“We’re just excited to be open again,” said Don Kearney, Sioux Falls director of parks and recreation. “It was such a drag not being open, and I know people are anxious to have the pools open again, and we’re anxious to get them all open again.”

Keyword: “All.”

For the first time, the city has had to stagger the openings of its pools because of a shortage of lifeguards.

Drake Springs, Laurel Oak and Terrace Park family aquatic centers are open.

Frank Olson and Kuehn pools and the McKennan Park wading pool have not opened yet.

A date for those to open is expected to be announced soon.

While the city is “getting tons of applications,” Kearney said, there are some themes emerging that continue to create a challenge.

“We have a young, new group applying, which is great because it bodes well for the future, but they have a lot of commitments and demands on their time,” he said.

Many applicants are saying they don’t want to work more than 10 hours per week and don’t want to work nights or weekends. Parents also are limiting weekend work because of family trips and other commitments.

And about 20 percent of applicants aren’t able to complete the certification process.

“You have to do a physical skills test and drill on the rescues and know first aid and CPR as part of that certification,” Kearney said, while adding classes are ongoing and the hope is to be staffed up soon.

The city also is still looking for workers to help maintain the pools and athletic fields.

Events and activities

For a complete guide to pool events in Sioux Falls, click here. 

Here are some highlights to mark on your calendar.

Lazy 5K

This might be the best way we’ve seen to complete a 5K yet. Enjoy the challenge of “running” a 5K against the current in the lazy river at Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center.

So you know, that’s 44 laps. And you don’t have to do it on your own. You can make it a two- or four-person relay. Open to the first 100 registrants. Register early for a T-shirt. It will be held July 8, 22 and Aug. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.

Free Family Fridays

The city will be hosting Free Family Fridays at all pools this summer.

Swim time will be extended, and admission will be free from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy the inflatable climbing Wibits, yard games and more. No registration required. Here are the dates and places:

• July 9: Frank Olson Pool
• July 16: Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center
• July 23: Laurel Oak Family Aquatic Center
• July 30: Kuehn Pool
• Aug. 6: Drake Springs Family Aquatic Center

The Great Cardboard Boat Race

You’ve got weeks to work on it, so make this a family project, or give it to the kids to keep them busy this summer. Then, bring your cardboard boat to Kuehn Pool at 9 a.m. July 31. All boats in five age divisions will be judged based on creativity, seaworthiness and quickest to sink!

Each boat will need up to two participants to commandeer the course. Boats must be constructed using corrugated cardboard and duct tape. No wood, Styrofoam, fiberglass, paint or plastic. Lifejackets for this event will be provided and must be worn by contestants. Swimsuits required. Registration required.

New and improved

The community of Brandon opens a renovated pool this season. It includes two big new water slides, a splash pad, zero-depth entry and more space on the deck with added picnic tables.

Click here for information on day and season passes.

Wild Water West

The water park west of Sioux Falls has opened for the season. It will be open daily through Sept. 6.

There are promotions throughout the week. On Monday, bring up to 10 people from 4 to 8 p.m. for $40. On Tuesday admission during that same time is $5 if you bring a school supply item. And there’s half-price admission from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.