Richmond public pools set to open this weekend for swimmers

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - This weekend, the locked doors at pools all across the city of Richmond will be open and summer can officially get underway.

At Blackwell Community Pool, the decks are clear and so too is the water.

“There’s a ton of work that goes into it. We have to get the staffing together. We have to get the water and the chemicals together. We have to get all the resources compiled so we can make sure we can welcome everybody,” said Jerrod Booker, Recreation Services Manager with City of Richmond Parks and Recreation.

Booker is part of the team responsible for getting all nine of the city’s pools ready for an onslaught of swimmers.

Richmond has seven outdoor pools and two indoor ones.

“The kids are looking. The community is looking. My phone has been ringing nonstop,” said Booker.

Last year, the city welcomed more than 70,000 people to pools during the summer period and they’re hoping for even more this year.

They are heading into the season fully staffed too.

Booker says they plan to have eight staff members at each pool and they are lifeguard certified and trained in CPR and first aid.

The city is also offering up free swim lessons to anyone who wants them in both July and August, making sure everybody in the city is water ready.

“They’re going to be trying to show folks basic fundamentals of swimming. About what you can do if you get into trouble. Making sure that they understand that, hey try to swim when the lifeguard is on duty,” said Booker.

The city also has specialty swim programs and swim teams throughout the summer for anyone to join in on the fun.

Pools open Saturday at noon. All you have to do once you arrive is sign in.

Those pools are open to both city and county residents free of charge.