BANGOR, Maine — Residents in Greater Bangor are diving into the city’s two community pools following the facilities opening for the summer season Wednesday.
Recent years have been challenging for the Beth Pancoe Aquatic Center and the Dakin Pool due to staffing issues. However, this year Bangor has 25 lifeguards on staff, but Director of Bangor Parks and Recreation Tracy Willette would like to see that figure grow closer to 30.
"We could always use a few more and again, if there is anyone out there with an interest in it, give us a call and we will get you on the right path to becoming a lifeguard," Willette said.
Karissa Hatch, the aquatics supervisor for both facilities, enjoys her work, noting the weather and people as great parts of the job. However, she also emphasizes how the job helps her away from the pool deck.
"A lot of skills are built here that are transferable to different careers anywhere you go," Hatch said.
Throughout the summer, the department is offering aquatic programs for all ages. In July, swimming lessons will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Beth Pancoe Aquatic Center for ages 3-14.
For those already proficient in the water, Tuesday and Thursday evenings have swim team sessions for seventh through twelfth graders.
Running July through mid-August, there will be Aqua Zumba for those 18 and older on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The program’s 18 sessions will occur in the late afternoon at the Beth Pancoe location.
Both pool locations will be open seven days a week from 1-4:30 p.m. Evening swimming, which will be held from 6-7:30 p.m., alternates between locations during the week. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, evening swimming will be at Beth Pancoe facility while Tuesdays and Thursdays will be at Dakin.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Beth Pancoe pool. Celebrations of the anniversary are being planned for some time in July.
For more information about hours, program rates, and more, check out the Bangor Parks and Recreation website.