Today is the day. Noon is the time.
Jefferson City's two public swimming pools are open for the next almost three months of business, beginning today.
Both the Ellis-Porter Pool and the Memorial Park Aquatic Center open at noon each day for public sessions.
The Memorial facility is open until 7 p.m. daily, while the Ellis-Porter Pool is open until 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and until 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
"We utilize Ellis-Porter for evening swim lessons" during the week, Phil Stiles, a division director for the city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry department, said. "We do morning lessons at both pools."
He said there's still time for people to sign up or swimming lessons.
"We offer several sets of lessons throughout the summer," he said.
Information about, and descriptions of, the various classes can be found online, at www.jeffcitymo.org/parks/poollessondescriptions.html.
Registration can be done online (email: [email protected]); over the phone (634-6482); by FAX (634-6489); or in person at the Parks and Recreation office, 427 Monroe St.
The Memorial Pool also has a "Little Splashers Play Time" from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. Cost: $1.50 per person.
Tickets at the Memorial Aquatic Center are $4 for youth (17 and under), and $2.50 after 5 p.m., and $5 for adults (18 and over), with a $3 charge after 5 p.m.
Tickets at Ellis-Porter are $2.50 for youth and $3 for adults during all public hours.
"The pools are here for the families to enjoy," Stiles said.
However, he added: "We always caution parents to be vigilant when they're watching young children, because they can get away quickly.
"And we have a well-trained life-guarding staff - but they're not there to babysit."
There are four special-event, themed pool parties on this year's schedule, "which tend to be popular," Stiles said.
• "School's Out for the Summer" Glow Bash, for youth 11-15, at Memorial Aquatic Center - Saturday, June 13 from 7:30-9 p.m. Cost: $6 per person.
• "Little Mermaid Pool Party," for youth 2-10, at Ellis-Porter Pool - Friday, June 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost: $8 per child, with pre-registration required.
• "Little Pirate Pool Party," for youth 2-10, at Ellis-Porter Pool - Friday, July 17, from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost: $8 per child, with pre-registration required.
• "Super Hero Pool Party," for youth 2-10, at Ellis-Porter Pool - Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $8 per child, with pre-registration required.